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ADRIFT 


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COPYRIGHT DEPOSni 







BY LEO E. MILLER 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 
THE BLACK PHANTOM 
THE HIDDEN PEOPLE 
IN THE TIGER’S LAIR 


CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 




ADRIFT 

ON THE AMAZON 












New cuts were made in the trees for the next day’s supply. 


[Page 136 





ADRIFT 

ON THE AMAZON 


BY 

LEO E. MILLER 


ILLUSTRATED 


/ 



NEW YORK 

CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 

1923 




Copyright, 1923, by 
CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 


Printed In the United States of America 





©CU704079 C/ 

A . ' 2 —, ’ 



TO 

ALL READERS 

WHO HAVE A WHOLESOME LIKING 
FOR STORIES 

OF ADVENTURE AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS 




1 



t*. 



•;} 





.'1 • •■ 



PREFACE 


The Amazon! Who has not been thrilled at the 
mere mention of the words? For the name of the 
world^s mightiest river suggests not only vast expanses 
of muddy water, but also the jungle-clad shores and 
wild hinterland where nature seems to have run riot in 
the development of strange and interesting vegetation 
and animal life, and of tribes of savages but little 
known and less understood. There is romance and ad¬ 
venture to be found in each mile of its yellow flood or 
gloomy thickets. But to only a few is given the privi¬ 
lege of lifting the veil of mystery that hangs over the 
Amazon country and of exploring its hidden retreats. 

Adrift on the Amazon’’ is the story of a youth’s 
struggles against the seemingly insurmountable diffi¬ 
culties that confronted the intrepid wanderer into the 
Amazon wilderness. 




. ; 







A 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER FAQB 

I. FIGHTING JONES. 1 

II. DAVID LEAVES HOME. 13 

III. THE AMAZON. 21 

IV. Roger’s work . 36 

V. A CHANGE OF FORTUNE . 51 

VI. HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER. 64 

VII. WHEN THE RIVER RAN RIOT . 78 

VIII. THE ROAD TO LAS PALMAS. 91 

IX. THE BEAST. 104 

X. THE ASCENT OF THE UPPER AMAZON. 115 

XI. IN THE RUBBER FOREST. 128 

XII. A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE. 140 

XIII. ADRIFT IN THE FOREST. 154 

XIV. THE RESCUE FROM THE ANT ARMY . 168 

XV. THE CHARGE OF THE INDIANS. 178 

XVI. THE BATTLE IN THE JUNGLE. 191 

XVII. THE TERROR OF THE ISLAND. 203 

XVIII. WHEN THE WATER RAN HIGH. 216 

XIX. THE BROWN MEN OF THE JUNGLE.229 

XX. THE DRIFTING ENDS.242 


























ILLUSTRATIONS 


New cuts were made in the trees for the next day’s supply 

Frontispiece 

FACING PAGE 


A huge silvery form . . . leaped out of the water, rolled 

and wallowed convulsively, and sank from sight ... 74 

He delivered thrust after thrust with his right at the vul¬ 
nerable neck and throat.150 

Again facing toward the . . . white men ... he grasped 
the arrow in both hands, snapped the shaft in two . . . 
and threw the pieces into the river.232 





ADRIFT 

ON THE AMAZON 


\ 


CHAPTER I 


FIGHTING JONES 

To Dayid^s friends he was commonly known as 
^Tighting Jones’^; but this name carried nothing of 
discredit with it; for, though the title had been earned 
by the not infrequent use of two good fists, the encoun¬ 
ters had always been occasioned by a righteous cause— 
in protection of someone who was unable to defend his 
or her own interest. 

The trouble was that the one higher up, the 
final authority as it were, had always decided against 
him. Sometimes words of sympathy, even approba¬ 
tion, had softened the rebuke that invariably followed 
each altercation; but in the final summing up he had 
never escaped the penalty. 

David was downcast. It seemed as if the bottom 
had dropped out of everything. And as he mentally 
reviewed the events of the past ten minutes and specu¬ 
lated upon their consequences he knew that at last he 
had reached the very end of his tether. He had ar¬ 
rived at the parting of the ways; a break was plainly 
in sight; and at last he meant to assert himself. 

His determined nature began to show itself so long 
ago as David could remember and probably before 
that. But he could recall the first difficulty in the 

1 



2 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


kindergarten when one of the older and larger boys 
took advantage of his small size to deprive him of 
some cherished plaything. He never forgot that 
fight, nor the punishment he received at the hand of 
a stern father. 

Later, years later, in high school, there had been the 
trouble when the principal had rebuked Miss Palmer, 
the instructor in Latin, before the whole class. The 
principal was a big, gruff man whose main attributes 
were to look stern at all times in an effort to instill 
discipline and to rejoice secretly when others showed 
signs of fear. He ruled by intimidation. Miss Palmer 
was meek and frail and when the lordly Mr. Davison 
assailed her she began to cry. That was too much for 
David. He calmly arose and informed the surprised 
Mr. Davison that he would never see any woman mis¬ 
treated like that and if he did not stop at once and 
apologize he would knock his block off. Several of his 
classmates now came to his assistance. That precipi¬ 
tated a row. Result—David as ringleader of the 
mutiny was dismissed. Discipline had to be main¬ 
tained. 

He worried through school and college somehow or 
other. Then was forced into business by his father 
and tried hard to make good and was progressing in a 
satisfactory, so he thought, if not brilliant manner 
until- 

Wellman, the chief engineer, was passing through 
the draughting room. David, busy at his board, was 
not even aware of his presence until he heard a muf¬ 
fled cough in back of him. 



FIGHTING JONES 


3 


“Good morning, Mr. Wellman,^’ he said pleasantly, 
turning to greet his chief. 

“How are the plans coming along?” the latter said 
abruptly. want to have the blue-prints struck off 
this afternoon.” 

“They will be ready in an hour,” David returned. 
“I am just finishing the terrace.” 

“Let me see!” Wellman adjusted his tortoise shell 
spectacles. “What scale?” 

“Quarter inch.” 

“What? Quarter inch?” One would have thought 
Wellman had been shot, the way he roared. “DidnT 
I tell you to make it half inch?” 

“I am sorry. I must have misunderstood. I will 
do them over.” 

“Impossible. The superintendent must have the 
blue-prints tonight.” 

“That is impossible too. I cannot do two days’ 
work in a few hours and do it right.” 

“You’ll never know anything.” Wellman bellowed, 
while all the others in the office turned to see and hear 
what was going on. 

“Now, look here,” David interrupted. “There is no 
excuse for your acting like that. You passed my table 
several times both yesterday and the day before and it 
seems to me as if you should have noticed the mistake 
then. Besides, I am sure you said quarter inch scale 
to begin with.” 

“That’s right! that’s right! Blame it on me. You 
think you can do as you please because your father 


4 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


is president of this concern.” The chief was talking 
louder than ever. 

‘Tf it were not for your age I’d thrash you until you 
took that back.” 

^‘Never mind my gray hair. Never mind my glasses; 
I’ll take them off. Here I am. Go to it. You are a 
privileged person around here. Do anything you like.” 

Instead of replying, David threw down his drawing 
instruments and left the room. He headed straight 
for his father’s office. Arrived there he was told by 
a secretary to sit down in the ante-room; his father 
had given orders not to admit him until he should ring 
for him. 

So! He knew about it already! Wellman had 
forestalled him by using the telephone. It was just 
as well that he had. His father would have the chief’s 
version of the affair and be ready to hear the other 
side of it. 

A buzzer sounded and the secretary nodded to him 
to enter. 

For a moment the elder Jones did not notice him. 
Then he turned abruptly in his chair and faced his son. 

^‘What have you got to say?” he asked, not unkindly 
and rather sadly. 

^Wellman told you what happened, I suppose.” 

^Wes. He just called up. I want to hear your side 
of the matter.” 

David gave an accurate account of the occurrence 
from beginning to end, while his father listened resign¬ 
edly. 

‘Wellman is an old and valued employe, but I think 


FIGHTING JONES 


5 


this time he went too far. Disregarding the fact that 
you are my son, I am inclined to believe that you were 
not at fault—in fact, I am rather proud of the way you 
handled the situation. Still, that does not settle the 
issue. That office is too small for you and Wellman; 
so Wellman will have to go.^^ 

David could not believe his ears and for a moment 
he was speechless. 

“You don’t mean that you are going to fire him?” 
he asked finally. 

“Yes. He went too far. The two of you would 
always be at odds after this and it would demoralize 
the whole department. I am sorrry, but Wellman 
will receive his notice today.” 

“I don’t want to see him lose his job. He is old 
and would have a hard time to find another. Why not 
keep him and let me out?” 

“Because I want you to learn this business thor¬ 
oughly; you may be called upon to take my place 
some day. You are just starting life. Your welfare 
is my first consideration.” 

David saw his chance at last. 

“If that is true,” he quickly interposed, “don’t start 
me on the wrong track. I do not want to stay in this 
business. I hate it. I tried to make good only to 
please you. If you are really thinking of my welfare, 
let me pick out my own work.” 

“What is wrong with this? It offers most unusual 
opportunities for great and lasting success.” ' 

“I know, but somehow or other I don’t seem to fit in. 
I dislike the city and all business. I want to go away 


6 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


where there is room to expand and to learn big things 
of another kind/’ 

^‘Remember the possibilities I just mentioned. You 
might some day erect a building taller than any of 
today or build a cathedral that would be a monument 
to your genius.” 

would rather plow with a tractor and sow wheat; 
or herd cattle; or raise pigs than build anything no 
matter how great. I could put my whole heart and 
soul into that work and enjoy it. I want space to do 
my thinking and to develop in. I want green grass 
under my feet and a blue sky overhead. It is too 
crowded here. There are just as big things to be done 
in one place as in another.” 

‘^Good gracious! Who put all that into your head? 
Or did you read it in some book?” 

‘Tt has just been growing on me and with me. I 
must get away from here. Let me work out my own 
future.” 

''Suppose I should refuse to listen any further.” 

"Then I am afraid I should go anyway, not right 
now, perhaps, but at some future time. The thought 
of all this is bigger than I am, and some day, soon, it 
would get the better of me and T should be compelled 
to go.” 

"Well, well!” His father was obviously worried. 
"So you have made up your mind. You refuse to go 
back to your work here?” 

"I should rather not. And, let Wellman stay.” 

"I’ll see. Now you go straight home and wait for 


FIGHTING JONES 


7 


me there. This thing will have to be settled one way 
or the other.^’ 

As David left the building his mind was filled with 
so many things that it was impossible to think clearly 
on any one of them. Two things kept recurring to 
him, however, because they had been so unexpected. 
The first was that his father had taken sides with him 
in the controversy, had admitted that he was right and 
that Wellman was in the wrong; he had even gone so 
far as to volunteer to discharge the old and valued 
employe. And the second was that for the first time 
his parent had indicated a willingness to seriously 
listen to the thing he felt best suited him and for which 
he was eager to sacrifice his enviable prospects as a 
man of the business world. 

He could hardly wait to tell his mother. She had 
always been a sympathetic listener and while she had 
never greatly encouraged him in his ambition she had 
never discouraged him. 

It was, therefore, a source of disappointment to him 
to find upon reaching home that his mother was not 
there. She had an appointment for luncheon, the 
cook informed him, and would go to a club meeting 
after that. It was impossible to draw any further 
information from the cook. David suspected that she 
knew more, but to his casual remark that she must 
have decided rather suddenly to go, there came no 
response. Evidently the cook had orders not to talk, so 
he did not question her further. 

The afternoon seemed like a year. He tried to read 
a magazine; then a book, but after turning a few pages 


8 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


he was forced to admit that he did not know what he 
was reading about, so he closed it with a bang and call¬ 
ing Spike, his terrier, went for a walk in the garden. 

David had just passed his twenty-first year. He was 
tall, of athletic build, with dark hair and eyes. There 
was the look of determination in his face that caused 
others instinctively to respect him. And his regular, 
pleasant features bespoke intelligence and breeding. 
If his natural bent could only be diverted into the 
proper channel, there was no question but that inborn 
ability and determination would make themselves felt, 
and in no uncertain manner. 

His father and mother returned just in time for 
dinner. That there was anything unusual about this 
did not occur to David for, often when his mother 
chanced to be in the vicinity of the office in the late 
afternoon she dropped in and the two motored home 
together. 

The conversation during the meal was a conven¬ 
tional one. It was not until later when the three were 
together in the library that the subject uppermost in 
David’s mind was broached. 

‘T have been talking this thing over with your 
mother,” his father began abruptly. ^There is but 
one thing in our minds. Regardless of how we feel 
about it personally, we must consent to the course that 
seems best for your own good.” 

David said nothing, but looked expectantly at his 
mother. 

''Are you sure, David?” she asked in a low voice. 
"Is your mind made up definitely? Is there not the 


FIGHTING JONES 


9 


least possibility that you may want to reconsider? 
Remember you are young. A mistake may mean the 
loss of years, perhaps, that will never return. Here 
you have rare opportunities to make both name and 
fortune. It would be well to think of these things 
and to try to picture what it will mean to you to give 
up a certainty for an uncertainty, for you know very 
little about the course you are favoring.’^ 

‘T have thought of all that,’’ he said uncomfortably, 
^^and I wish I could feel differently, for your sake. But 
I just can’t help it. I have always wanted to be out 
in the open where there is room to see and do things.” 

For a moment nothing was said. 

^Well,” his father finally ventured with a sigh, ‘Then 
there is nothing for us to do but to give you the chance 
you think we owe you. Be sure that you are sure. 
Take a few weeks to think it over in. But you must 
promise one thing. If we let you go and you don’t 
make good or find out that you were mistaken after 
all, you will come back to the office and buckle down to 
hard work and never mention the subject again.” 

‘T don’t need the time; my mind is made up now. 
And, I promise; but I will get along all right and in 
the end you will be glad you let me try it.” 

They insisted on the time for reflection, however, 
and during the two weeks that followed no mention 
was made of the matter. David did not go back to 
the office; he spent the days, and parts of the nights, 
too, in reading books on agriculture. These consisted 
mainly of government publications, long possessed and 
secretly cherished. He had read them so often that 


10 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


he was sure he knew all about farming and ranching; 
in fact, when he should use all this information to¬ 
gether with some ideas of his own that he had worked 
out, he should greatly improve if not revolutionize the 
whole farming and ranching business. 

When the two weeks had expired there was another 
council in the library. 

^‘What is the verdict?” his father asked. ‘Will you 
go or will you stay?” 

‘T want to go just as soon as possible.” 

“Have you considered the matter fully from all 
angles?” 

“Yes, I have.” 

“And you still feel that your calling is out in the 
country?” 

“Be absolutely sure of yourself before you answer,” 
his mother cautioned. 

“I am sure. I feel that when I get away from the 
noise and hurry and confinement of the city I can 
accomplish more in a week than I could here in a 
year.” 

“And, if after trying it you find that you have been 
mistaken?” 

“I shall come back at once and do exactly as I 
promised.” 

“That settles it. You shall have your chance and 
it will be a rare one even though you cannot realize 
at what cost to us.” He shot a quick glance at his 
wife; her eyes were glistening. 

“The fact that we have known of your ambition for 
a long time does not make it easier for us, for you will 


FIGHTING JONES 


11 


be far, far away. That alone will give you 
the opportunity to show your mettle. I think it best 
that it should be so, for you will be thrown entirely 
upon your own resources. Either you will become dis¬ 
couraged quickly and come back ready to take our 
advice, or you will do big things.” 

Where?” David asked in an awed voice. “Where 
am I going?” 

“To South America, because there real opportunities 
exist for the right man.” 

“South America?” 

Yes. Dan Rice, a former client of mine, has a ranch 
in the Argentine. He went down fifteen years ago. 
He was a born stock man and made a huge success of 
the venture. I enquired about him and learned that 
he is opening a new place in Brazil, somewhere in the 
Upper Amazon country, above the city called Manaos. 
I shall send you to him. If ever there was a person 
who could judge men and get the best out of them. 
Rice is the one. What do you say?” 

“I donT know what to say except to thank both of 
you for letting me go. It is better than I even dreamed 
of. It will be wonderful!” 

“Good! I only hope you will not be too greatly 
disappointed when you get there.” 

They continued the discussion far into the night; 
but the thing the elder Jones did not tell his son was 
that he had already sent cablegrams to Rice in Manaos 
in an attempt to make arrangements for his coming. 
A very short time in the steaming and insect-infested 
tropics would be sufficient to cause a change of heart, 


12 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


he felt sure. The fact that he was in a wild country- 
thousands of miles away from home and among 
strangers would hasten it and make it more emphatic. 
And, once his illusions were dispelled, David would be 
ready to settle down and do as he was told. 

As for David, he was too elated for words. ‘T am 
going at last,’^ he kept repeating to himself. ‘‘My luck 
has changed! My luck has changed!’^ 

But David was quite forgetful of the fact that there 
are two kinds of luck, good and bad; and that the 
former seldom lasts long, while the latter is inclined 
to linger with a most disheartening persistency, and 
then grow worse. 


CHAPTER II 


DAVID LEAVES HOME 

David was so excited over his proposed trip to a real 
ranch in South America that he found sleep impossible 
on the night following the momentous decision. 

His head felt like a whirling mass that refused to 
come to a standstill. He thought of a hundred things 
that he wanted to do all at once, but the thoughts 
rushed back and forth and around in circles so that he 
could not disentangle a single one to start with. 

He was going to have his wish at last; that much 
he realized. And South America at that! The very 
words were awe-inspiring. They suggested mighty 
rivers, vast jungles where monkeys formed living chains 
or bridges to span the streams, by clutching one an¬ 
other's tails; and where giant.snakes drooped like 
garlands from the branches of great trees while myriads 
of gorgeous birds and shimmering butterflies fluttered 
among the bright-colored flowers. These sights must 
be common ones, for had not the geographies pictured 
them as typical of the Southern Continent? 

David did not care, particularly, for some of the 
things he was sure he should encounter—especially the 
snakes and the crocodiles. But, of course, a ranch 
would not be situated out in the jungle; it would have 

13 


14 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


to be in the open where there was grass for the cattle. 
He tried to picture such a place. A long, rambling 
building painted white, with a few palm trees in front 
under which saddled horses were waiting patiently for 
their riders; more trees, of some kind or other, nearby, 
in the shade of which men dressed in buckskins, with 
fringes on their breeches and great, leather gauntlets 
on their arms, were sprawled on the grass, their wide- 
brimmed hats lying on the ground where they had been 
carelessly tossed by their owners. 

All about stretched the rolling meadows, miles and 
miles, dotted with herds of cattle peacefully grazing 
on the long, green grass. 

That was the picture that formed itself in his mind. 
But the things that did not occur to him, the things 
the geographies did not mention and that no one had 
told him about, so far, were the blistering heat of the 
tropics that could scorch and burn as mercilessly as 
the blast from a furnace; the insect pests that rendered 
life all but unendurable; the fevers that sapped one’s 
vitality; and the monotony of existence in far-away, 
lonely places with only the treacherous half-breeds and 
stolid Indians for companions. It was just as well 
that these unpleasant details and many others of 
similar nature remained in the obscure background; 
he would make their acquaintance soon enough. 

'^Better decide on what you want to take with you,” 
his father advised the next day. 'T'ou will not need 
anything fancy, and keep the amount down as much 
as possible. Talk it over with your mother.” 

That was good advice and David followed it. But 


DAVID LEAVES HOME 


15 


it required nearly one full day to make out the list, go 
over it carefully, strike out some items, add others, and 
then start over again with the ever-present suspicion 
that something of importance had been forgotten. 

^^I’ll tell you what,^’ he said finally, am not going 
to take anything except a few clothes to wear on the 
trip, one khaki outfit and a gun. How do I know what 
is proper down there? I might take down a lot of 
things only to find that they are not suitable in that 
climate. And the other fellows working on the ranch 
must get their clothes somewhere in the neighborhood, 
so I can, too, after I find out exactly what I need.^’ 

His mother promptly agreed that that was the sensi¬ 
ble thing to do. Only, she added, a few good books 
might prove not unwelcome companions on such a 
trip, so David promptly packed his volumes on cattle 
and agriculture as well as a few favorite others. 

The news of his intended journey spread rapidly 
among his friends and acquaintances. They imme¬ 
diately divided into two factions; one considered him 
the luckiest mortal in the world while the other 
thought he was the most foolish person imaginable. 

David pitied them all, impartially. No matter how 
they felt, they were all doomed to remain behind, 
chained to the treadniill of city existence, while he was 
the one to go forth into God’s great world with only 
the horizon to mark the boundary of his vision and 
activity. 

‘T cannot understand it,” Mr. Jones announced one 
evening soon after. ‘^Rice has not answered my 
cable. Perhaps he has given up the ranch and gone 


16 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


to other parts. I am sorry, but you may not go after 
all. Too bad, after all the anticipation.'"^ 

David’s heart sank. 

‘^Rice or no Rice, I am going just the same,” he 
announced. 

‘^But where to? If he has gone away there will be 
no place to which you can go.” 

‘^He couldn’t take the ranch with him, could he? If 
he has gone someone else must have it. And even if 
that outfit is out of existence there must be plenty of 
others. I am not fussy over where I make my start.” 

‘‘Very well. So far as this proposition is concerned 
you shall have your own way. But you cannot blame 
me for being concerned about your welfare.” 

“Of course not. But at the same time, please don’t 
forget that I am not a baby. I can take care of 
myself.” 

His father bit his lip. His eyes narrowed as he 
regarded his son. And in that instant an idea came 
to him. 

“Just as you say,” he said quietly. “It will be your 
chance to show me just what you can do. The 
Morales sails a week from today and I shall make a 
reservation for you. In the meantime, I shall send 
other cables; you may go regardless of whether there 
are answers or not. Is that satisfactory?” 

“It’s splendid. I won’t sleep a wink until then.” 

On the eve of the great day the little group around 
the dinner table was very silent. 

“Rice has answered at last,” Mr. Jones said sud¬ 
denly. 


DAVID LEAVES HOME 


17 


‘What did he say?’’ asked David, eagerly. 

“Never mind what he said. You are determined to 
go, anyway, so it makes no difference.” 

“But does he want me to come?” David persisted. 

“Suppose he does?” 

“I should go, of course.” 

“And if he does not?” 

“I should go anyway. I am all ready, my ticket is 
bought-and I couldn’t think of backing out. I should 
never hear the last of it.” 

“You are quite right. Everything is arranged, how¬ 
ever, and I want you to go. You will do just as you 
planned.” 

David thought he noticed an amused expression on 
his father’s face, but he was not quite sure. It did 
seem, though, that his manner had changed remark¬ 
ably in the last few days. His former reluctance had 
given way to seeming eagerness. But in the feverish¬ 
ness of his excitement David did not appraise these 
observations at their proper value and soon forgot 
them entirely. 

At last the memorable day actually arrived. The 
weeks of waiting had seemed an eternity. But here 
he was, aboard the great boat; some of the people 
about him were crying and for a moment he felt a 
strange feeling coming upon him. Going was not so 
easy as he had thought. Just then the bell warned all 
visitors to go ashore and amid the last farewells he was 
reminded of one thing. 

“Do not forget,” his father said, “you may return at 
any time you like and you will be welcome at home. 


18 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


Even if you stay only a few days, the experience of the 
voyage will be of value and you will be more content 
to settle down. Perhaps you will be back soon.’’ 

They went ashore. The gangway was raised and the 
engines began to throb ever so slowly as the ship 
backed out of her berth. Not long after that the boat 
was well out in the bay and the crowd that lined the 
dock merged into a waving mass in which it was impos¬ 
sible to distinguish anyone. 

Those last words filled David with something like 
resentment. 

^Terhaps you will be back soon!” Indeed! What 
did his father mean by that? Well, they would have 
to wait a long time before seeing him again. Upon 
that point he was determined. No matter what hap¬ 
pened, he would not return home very soon. He would 
stick it out in the face of every obstacle and difl&culty 
that might block his path. He would show them that 
he could make good if he but had the opportunity and 
the opportunity had come at last. 

By that time the ship was well down the harbor, so 
he sought his cabin to unpack his baggage. Upon 
entering he found a man several years his senior busily 
engaged straightening out his own effects. 

^^My name is Rogers,” said the stranger, extending 
his hand. guess we share this place.” 

‘^Glad to know you. My name is Jones.” 

‘‘Well, as we are going to bunk together for a while 
I suppose we might as well toss a coin for the berths.” 

So saying, Rogers fished a dime out of his pocket. 

“What will it be?” he asked. 


DAVID LEAVES HOME 


19 


‘‘Ill take heads,” David replied. 

Rogers tossed the coin into the air. 

“Tails, you lose, Jones,” he said. “So I will take 
the lower. Anyway, you are younger and more spry 
than I am, so you will not mind climbing into the 
upper.” 

The conversation continued while they unpacked 
their luggage and the older man gave David a good 
deal of information, having noticed that he had not 
been to sea before. David rather liked Rogers and 
felt that this was the beginning of a pleasant friend¬ 
ship. 

* * * * * 


Dinner in the Jones household was a quiet, solemn 
affair that night. 

“Wellman played his part to perfection,” the father 
said finally. “Too well, in fact. For a while I was 
afraid David would agree with me that he should be 
discharged. But I am proud of the stand he took. 
He acted just as I would have had him do.” 

“Are you sure he does not suspect the plan was pre¬ 
arranged?” 

“Yes, he thought Wellman was serious in calling 
him down. He was going from bad to worse—through 
no fault of his own, I will admit. He tried hard to 
make good but could not; and he never will until he 
forgets those ideas with which his head is crammed. 
Only then will he come back to earth and buckle down 
to his job.” 

“Do you think he will be back soon?” 


20 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


“Yes, I think so. When he sees what he is com¬ 
pelled to endure in Brazil he will become disillusioned 
in short order. I know what I am talking about and 
so I think a short time of it will be all he wants. Three 
months, at most.^^ 

Mr. Jones spoke with an air of finality. The ability 
to look ahead and forecast the outcome of things had 
in a large measure placed him on the pinnacle of suc¬ 
cess he occupied. But for once, and in spite of care¬ 
fully arranged plans, he was doomed to disappointment. 
For the son possessed all the advantage; he was enter¬ 
ing with unbounded enthusiasm a field for which he 
had prepared himself, however slightly, and of which 
he therefore had some knowledge, while the father was 
making predictions as to the outcome of affairs of 
which he knew nothing. 


CHAPTER III 


THE AMAZON 

Early the next morning David became aware of the 
fact that he had embarked on a stormy voyage. The 
ship rolled and pitched in an alarming manner. He 
could hear the shrieking and moaning of the wind and 
feel the vessel tremble as the waves struck the steel 
sides with a muffled roar. 

At first he did not know just what to make of it, so 
he groped for the switch and turned on the light. 
Rogers was sleeping soundly in the berth below. There 
was no one stirring on deck or in the passageway, so he 
came to the conclusion that a storm was not an unusual 
occurrence and that everyone took it as a matter of 
fact, so he snapped off the light. 

But it was far from comfortable, this rolling and 
tossing, and sleep was impossible. Daylight soon 
came, however, and with it the bustle and sound of 
voices on deck incident to life aboard ship. 

‘'Going down to breakfast?” Rogers enquired, hold¬ 
ing to a hand-rail with one hand while he calmly 
shaved with the other. He seemed to mind not at all 
the lurching of the boat. 

‘T guess not; I don't feel hungry,” David replied 
in a weak voice. 

“Sick?” 


21 


22 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

''A little. It’s not so bad while I lie still; but when 
I try to get up my head spins.” 

^^Never mind. It will soon pass. Better have a cup 
of coffee; then you will feel better. I’ll ring for the 
steward.” 

''No, don’t. Please, let’s talk about something else; 
anything but food. Will the storm last long?” 

"It may clear up later. If it gets calmer come out 
for a walk on deck. The fresh air is a good tonic,” 
and he strode out of the room. 

But the storm did not subside. It lasted two whole 
days and three nights. By that time David was so ill 
he was compelled to remain in his berth another full 
day to recuperate sufficiently to venture out. 

The fresh air and the bright sunshine on the upper 
deck worked wonders. Added to these, long walks 
back and forth, a few games of shuffleboard and 
an occasional dip in the ship’s swimming tank soon 
restored his good health and usual cheerful manner. 

"You expect to work on a ranch in Brazil, eh?” 
Rogers commented one morning as they leaned over 
the rail to watch the flyingfish startled by the prow 
of the boat as she cut her way through the glassy 
water. 

"I not only expect to but I am going to,” David 
returned promptly. 

"How long are you going to stay?” 

"A long, long time. In fact, I haven’t ‘thought of 
going back. I had better get there first.” 

"Know anything about ranching?” 

"Not much; but I can learn.” 


THE AMAZON 23 

‘^Know anything about Brazil or what you are going 
to be up against?’’ Rogers persisted. 

“Not a thing.” 

“Do you know what I think?” 

“I’m not a mind-reader.” 

“Well, I think you are foolish to try it.” 

“Thank you,” David replied promptly. 

“I mean it.” 

“I can’t help what you think,” pleasantly. “My 
head is working overtime figuring out my own things.” 

“I would not go where you are going for a thousand 
dollars a month.” 

“Neither would I. I am doing this because I am 
interested in it and want to learn. Office work, no 
matter how easy, is unbearable to me because I don’t 
like it. Outdoor work, no matter how hard, will be 
fun because I do like it.” 

“I went to Manaos once, and that was far enough,” 
Rogers proceeded. “The heat, the rains, the mos¬ 
quitoes, in fact everything that makes life miserable 
was there in too great abundance to suit me. If I 
were in your place I should go up the river for the 
sake of the trip. The Amazon country is great—to 
see from the deck of the steamer. Look at it until 
you have your fill and then go back to the good position 
you left. I am telling you right now that you are 
making a big mistake, and you will regret it.” 

“It’s very kind of you to take such an interest in me, 
but you must think I am a jellyfish. There is no use 
saying anything more. My mind is made up. I 


24 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

wouldnT even think of backing out—not for the 
world/’ Jones asserted in no uncertain accents. 

‘'All right. Think it over.” Rogers yawned and 
went to his deck chair, while David took a small, red 
volume from his pocket and devoted his time to the 
study of Portuguese. 

The days slipped by pleasantly and quickly. The 
water assumed a deeper blue color and great rafts of 
seaweed dotted the surface. The air was balmy and 
delightful. 

There was always something new and interesting to 
see. The birds in particular attracted David’s atten¬ 
tion, especially the man-o’-war birds that soared on 
motionless, narrow wings hour after hour and, it was 
said, day after day, in the cloudless sky. They rarely 
slept or rested but sailed on tireless pinions as if they 
enjoyed it, bent on some mission none could fathom. 
Then there were the little petrels or Mother Carey’s 
chickens, as the sailors called them, fluttering and skip¬ 
ping over the water like huge, black grasshoppers; they 
appeared in greatest numbers on those rare occasions 
when the ship passed through a choppy stretch of 
water. 

Some of the barren, rocky islands were fairly teem¬ 
ing with boobies, jaegers, gannets and other feathered 
lovers of the briny deep. They sat on the shelflike 
ledges running along the faces of the cliffs like the tiers 
of beads on an abacus. Other swarms fllled the air, 
fluttering, soaring, circling and wheeling amidst 
squawks and screams while still other hordes sat 
motionless on the water. 


THE AMAZON 


25 


The jaegers were the pirates of the deep. They 
waited until the smaller birds returned from their suc¬ 
cessful fishing excursion, then attacked them until they 
disgorged their catches which they greedily appro¬ 
priated to their own use. 

These sights fascinated David. How different from 
the imprisonment of the city! And this was but a 
taste of what he was to see, a sample of the free life 
in the open for which he longed. 

After nearly two weeks sailing he came on deck one 
morning to find that the color of the water had changed 
overnight. Instead of the clear, crisp blue the ship 
was ploughing her way through a sea of yellow that 
extended to the horizon on every side. He called the 
matter to the attention of Rogers. 

‘That muddy water is discharged by the Amazon,’’ 
the latter said. 

“But we are not near the river yet,” David remarked 
incredulously. “There is no land in sight.” 

“No, we are not near the river and will not be until 
some time tomorrow. Even if we were in the very 
center of the Amazon you could not see the banks, for 
the river is about one hundred and fifty miles wide at 
its mouth. The quantity of water it carries into the 
ocean is so enormous that it keeps its yellow color 
several hundred miles out at sea before the mud 
settles and the fresh w^ater is thoroughly mixed with 
and absorbed by the brine of the ocean.” 

The next evening they saw the first indication of 
land. At first there were only long lines of white far 
in the distance where breakers were dashing over the 


26 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

low sandbars that checked their onward sweep. Later, 
they distinguished small, dark tufts, like feather dust¬ 
ers, outlined against the clear sky; these were coconut 
palms growing on the outlying islands. And before 
long the first land—dim strips of dark color seemingly 
suspended between the water and the sky, met their 
gaze. 

At night they entered the river proper. It was too 
dark to see anything, but David was so excited he 
could hardly sleep. Here he was, on the mighty 
Amazon, and it was not a dream either. What tales 
the silent water could tell could it but talk! What 
had the stream witnessed, on its journey through many 
thousands of miles of wilderness and jungle inhabited 
by savage beasts and equally savage peoples! And 
what secrets were locked up in that outwardly calm, 
yellow fiood! The very air seemed saturated with 
mystery, romance and adventure. And here he was, 
alone and foot-free and eager to absorb his full share 
of everything this wonderful country offered. 

With daylight came disappointment. Instead of the 
wide expanse of water David had expected to see there 
was only a narrow channel through which the ship 
proceeded with caution. Both banks were covered 
with heavy, deep green vegetation, extending to the 
edge of the river. Creepers and ropelike lianas 
dangled from the branches and trailed in the water; 
climbing ferns and palms and a host of other plants 
clinging to the boughs and trunks united them into a 
solid wall of living green. 

Here and there a bright-colored flower glowed bril- 


THE AMAZON 27 

liantly against the darker background and from the 
interior of the tangled, matted screen came subdued 
cries and screams. A flock of green parrots, flying low, 
passed overhead and then dived into the jungle on the 
other side and disappeared. There were fully a hun¬ 
dred birds in the party, but they flew two by two, with 
a peculiar fanning motion of the wings, like a duck’s. 

One of the branches on the side nearest the steamer 
stirred and someone shouted ‘^monkeys.” David 
looked but saw only the swaying vegetation which 
moved as if agitated by a gust of wind. 

am sorry I missed them. I have never seen a 
wild monkey,” he said. 

“You will see plenty of them before long; and not 
only see but get real well acquainted with them,” 
Rogers volunteered. 

“You mean they are tame and come to the camps in 
the forests?” 

“Not exactly. You will have to live on them.” 

“What? Eat monkeys?” David asked in dismay. 

“Certainly. Everyone does in the bush. The 
Indians eat everything—monkeys, crocodiles,. snakes 
and lizards. And if you want to live out in the wil¬ 
derness you shall have to do as they do because there 
is no other way out of it. You will be thankful for 
whatever you And whether you like it or not.” 

“But the rivers must be full of fish,” David reminded 
him. 

“They are. Catching them is another proposition 
though. Besides, there is nothing in the world a white 


28 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

man becomes so tired of as fish if he eats it day after 
day” 

^‘Why worry?” David said it bravely, but a sigh 
escaped him. ^Tf that is the custom here I guess I 
can get used to it.” 

The prospect of having to eat monkeys, as he knew 
them in the zoo at home, was not a pleasant one and 
the thoughts that were in his mind were reflected in 
the expression on his face. Rogers gave him a sharp 
glance, then walked away; he was finding his task a 
difficult one. 

The first stop was at Para, and as the steamer car¬ 
ried a quantity of freight for that port and was to 
remain two days there was ample time for sight¬ 
seeing ashore. 

The feel of solid ground under his feet was very wel¬ 
come to David; and to enter the low-lying city beside 
the river was like stepping into fairyland. 

How different everything was from the life and liv¬ 
ing conditions of a temperate clime. Instead of the 
tall buildings and wide streets bustling with humanity 
there were blocks of low, white structures, narrow, 
crooked streets lined with drooping, swaying palms; 
and the people, of every shade from white to black, 
seemed to take things in a leisurely manner. 

It was warm—disagreeably warm at midday and dur¬ 
ing the early afternoon hours—^but David was too 
interested in his surroundings to take much note of the 
heat. He tramped the streets and tried to see every¬ 
thing that unfolded itself before his eyes. 

The flaming Jacaranda trees that thrust themselves 


THE AMAZON 


29 


upon one^s notice through the sheer boldness of their 
beauty fascinated him. Not extremely tall but with 
wide-spreading branches they looked like enormous 
bouquets so thickly were they covered with purplish 
flowers with only an occasional tuft of fern-like leaves 
to enhance their beauty. 

There were palms without number. Some grew tall 
and stately with crowns of gracefully drooping leaves; 
others had bent, spiny stems; and still others had 
shocks of ragged, split leaves perched on the top of 
thick, ringed trunks. 

A curio store just off the main thoroughfare attracted 
David’s attention and after gazing at the display in the 
windows for some time he decided to investigate the 
mysteries inside so forcefully suggested by the objects 
in front. He had always intended to make a collection 
of butterflies and other things and here was the oppor¬ 
tunity to start it. But the door was locked. He tried 
the door of the next shop; it, too, was bolted. A pass¬ 
ing policeman, observing his actions, volunteered the 
information that everything would be closed until later 
in the afternoon because the people were taking a nap 
during the hottest part of the day. And as David 
strolled down the street he rejoiced that the curio store 
had been closed, for what could he have done with the 
butterflies if he had purchased them? They were too 
fragile to carry around for months in the wilderness; 
and he would no doubt have the opportunity person¬ 
ally to collect all he wanted at the ranch. 

The afternoon being spent, the wanderer went back 
to the waterfront and boarded the steamer, and re- 


30 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


mained aboard for the night. There followed another 
day of sight-seeing, confined principally to the numer¬ 
ous little parks, and then the voyage was resumed up 
the river. 

David remained on deck as the steamer headed up 
the sluggish, muddy stream and enjoyed the changing 
vistas of broad expanses of water and the dark green 
of the vegetation that contrasted sharply with it. 
Then he went to his cabin to wash up for dinner. And 
there was Rogers examining a number of souvenirs he 
had purchased in Para; a medly array of feather flow¬ 
ers, Indian head-dresses and the skins of birds and 
snakes was spread on the floor and chairs. 

^^You still here?’^ David asked in surprise. He had 
not seen him since saying good-bye the morning they 
reached the port, as Rogers had stated that he was 
going no further than Para. 

‘‘Yes, I am going to stick around a while longer— 
until we get to Manaos, to be exact,’’ Rogers replied in 
a matter-of-fact voice. 

“Great! But you changed your mind rather sud¬ 
denly, didn’t you? I hardly expected to see you 
again.” 

“I did intend to go only to Para, but I found that 
my affairs had not been settled. So I have to keep 
on going. But I do not mind. The trip up the river 
is interesting.” 

“Say, Rogers,” David asked suddenly. “What is 
your business anyway? I don’t like to be inquisitive; 
that is why I didn’t ask before now. But I am filled 
with curiosity.” 


THE AMAZON 


31 


“It is of a personal nature; sorry I cannot go into 
greater detail but that would be violating a confi¬ 
dence/^ and Rogers looked embarrassed. 

“I see/’ David said simply, but he could not get the 
matter off his mind, try as he would. And to make 
things worse he could see no reason why Rogers’ affairs 
should cause him any concern. 

To spend six days on the mighty Amazon is an event 
in any man’s life; to David it was the greatest he had 
experienced. Each morning when the noise of the 
deck scrubbers awakened him he jumped from his 
berth and after dressing hastily went on deck to see 
the sun rise. On no two mornings was the awe-inspir¬ 
ing spectacle that unfolded itself before his eyes the 
same in all respects. Sometimes the fiaming, angry 
ball of fire shot up as if from some place of concealment 
beyond the black wall of forest; once it rose out of the 
yellow flood, at the foot of a wide path of gold and 
pink light that danced and sparkled on the wave- 
crests; and again, there were but fleeting glimpses of 
shafts of bright light that darted through rifts in the 
cloud-banks whose edges were aglow with burnished 
silver. 

When the forested banks were visible they always 
loomed up like dark, impenetrable barriers; but as the 
light grew stronger the blurred outlines of trees, palms 
and a thousand points of vegetation gradually became 
clearer and finally revealed their identity. 

The forest enchanted the beholder. It exhaled an 
air of mystery, the promise of adventure; and at the 
same time it hurled a bold defiance. “Come, ferret 


32 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


out my secrets, search for my treasures,” it seemed to 
say, ^‘and I will overwhelm you, engulf you and you 
will be no more. But come, come, if you dare.” 

David read both the invitation and the challenge; 
and with more determination than ever, he accepted 
them. 

Nothing was seen of the wild life with which the 
jungle must have been teeming. Perhaps it was be¬ 
cause the walls of vegetation were so dense they hid 
the creatures that lurked within their green depths. 
Then, too, the river was frequently so wide that the 
banks could scarcely be distinguished, showing only 
as low, dark lines in the hazy distance. 

Occasionally a flock of ducks passed overhead. 
There were gulls also, and other waterfowls. But far 
more numerous were the parrots and great macaws, in 
large, boisterous companies that winged their way 
heavily across the wide expanse of water. From a 
distance the parrots resembled the ducks but there was 
always the easily noticeable difference, that no matter 
how large their number, they always flew two by two. 

‘‘Where are all the crocodiles?” David asked the 
captain of the ship one day as the latter stopped beside 
him at the railing. “And the big water snakes and 
other things you hear about the Amazon?” 

The captain looked at him in an amused manner. 

“They are here, that is the crocodiles are, but the 
water is too high to see them,” he said. “During the 
dry season the sand bars and islands are covered with 
them. There are plenty of anacondas, too, but they 


THE AMAZOlSi 33 

stay around the banks. So you are going into the 
interior, I hear!^’ 

‘^Yes, to a ranch that^s just starting up,^’ David 
replied. 

‘Well, you’ll see all the snakes and other vermin 
you want, and more too.” 

“Fine! I have never been here before and I want to 
see everything there is to be seen.” 

“You had better look fast then, because you won’t 
stay long. They all go back pretty quick.” 

“Not I. I am going into the business for good.” 

“That’s what they all say. And I carry them back 
home on the next boat.” 

“You will not carry me back on the next boat, nor 
on the trip after that either.” David was losing 
patience. 

“If you knew what’s in store for you you wouldn’t 
even go ashore when we get to Manaos; you would 
come right back home with me on this trip. And that 
is what I would advise you to do.” 

“Thank you,” and David walked away. 

They made short stops at the more important towns 
along the river, to deliver mail and unload freight. 

The waterfront in these places always teemed with 
dark-skinned natives. Long lines of men, stripped to 
the waist, were carrying bags of produce to barges 
moored to the banks, waiting for steamers going down¬ 
stream. Groups of other men lounged on the docks 
or came to the ship in row-boats, offering fruit for sale. 

David was greatly surprised to see the barges of 
Brazil nuts that were being transferred to a steamer 


34 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


outward bound. The nuts—he had no idea there were 
so many in the world, were handled just like coal. 
They were scooped out of the barges in steam shovels 
and dumped into the hold of the boat, where they dis¬ 
appeared in the seemingly insatiable, black void. 
Many were spilled overboard and others rained on the 
deck, but no one cared. 

There were cargoes of rubber, too, large, oblong 
balls, or thick bricks that must have weighed several 
hundreds of pounds. But David was to see enough of 
them later and under less attractive circumstances. 

On the sixth day they reached the junction of the 
Rivers Negro and Solimoes. 

‘This is the end of the Amazon,’^ Rogers explained 
as they gazed at the sweep of the mighty streams. 

“The end?” David asked in surprise. “I always 
thought of the Amazon as a river three or four thou¬ 
sand miles long.” 

“The Amazon proper is only about one thousand 
miles long. But the Solimoes continues on a few 
thousand more and is in reality the Upper Amazon. 
Here is a map that shows it.” 

He drew a folder out of his pocket and they spread 
it on the foot of a deck chair. 

“See?” Rogers said, “Manaos is ten miles up the Rio 
Negro which comes from the north-west. The Soli¬ 
moes comes from the west and has its source near 
Quito, Peru. It is navigable, too, almost the whole of 
its length in boats of some kind. As I said, though, 
you have seen all of the real Amazon. Now, are you 
satisfied?” 


THE AMAZON 


35 


“What do you mean?’’ 

“Have you seen enough?” 

“Of the river and country? I should say not. I 
haven’t even started. What I have seen has only 
aroused my curiosity and a stronger desire for more. 
I can hardly wait to get into the interior. Think of 
what is behind those walls of forest!” 

“Mosquitoes, snakes and cannibals.” 

“Good! They are just what I want to see.” 

Rogers sighed but David did not notice it. He 
folded the map and put it back into his pocket. 

In another hour they had reached Manaos. 


CHAPTER IV 


ROGERS’ WORK 

Manaos is a surprisingly large city for one that is 
situated in such an out of the way place, but there is 
nothing bewildering or startling about it. In some 
respects it is very much like the larger but more back¬ 
ward towns of our own country but in most it is very 
different. 

The first thing to thrust itself upon the visitor’s 
notice is the intense heat; all the sun’s rays seem 
to converge in the depression in which Manaos nestles. 
An inspection of the place, however, reveals compen¬ 
sating virtues in the form of green, shady parks, cool¬ 
ing fountains, and comfortable hotels for the traveller. 

David was not particularly interested in the city 
although he took note of some of the more unusual 
features; he had seen Para which had impressed him 
as being more attractive. He felt that enough time 
had been spent already in travel and in sight-seeing 
and he was eager to start work. So he lost no time in 
going to the hotel where someone from the ranch was 
to meet him, in accordance with the arrangements that 
he supposed had been made by cable before he left 
home. 

No doubt Mr. Rice had come to welcome him 

36 


ROGERS’ WORK 


37 


personally, he thought; and he was more than disap¬ 
pointed to learn that such was not the case. 

^^Senhor Rice has not been here in weeks,” the 
proprietor of the hotel told him in answer to his 
questioning. 

^^But he was either to be here or to send someone,” 
David protested. ‘‘I am going to his ranch and they 
were to come for me.” 

^^Here is the list of patrons. You may read it. Do 
you recognize any of the names?” 

David scanned the page of the register and admitted 
that the names were all unfamiliar to him. 

would recognize only Mr. Rice’s name,” he added, 
‘^and that is not there.” 

^^No, the Senhor is not here.” 

“Didn’t someone else say he expected me? There 
must be somebody here who is hunting for me right 
this minute.” 

The Brazilian shrugged his shoulders. 

“Oh, I understand now,” David explained, with a 
smile. “Whoever is coming hasn’t arrived. He might 
have been delayed accidentally or perhaps he thought 
the steamer was not due today. I’ll wait and every¬ 
thing will be all right. When I am asked for, remem¬ 
ber that I am here. And, if a message or letter comes, 
give it to me without delay.” 

The whole explanation seemed so simple to David. 
It must be exactly as he had said. It was not in the 
least remarkable that one should miss connections in a 
land lacking the elaborate facilities for travel his own 
country boasted. He wondered how the matter could 


38 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

have caused him concern and why he had not thought 
of the solution before. 

Half an hour later he left his room and in passing 
through the corridor could not resist the impulse to 
step into the office to make another inquiry. But the 
answer was the same. There was nothing new, no 
message; nor had anyone arrived from the ranch. 

“Tomorrow, probably,^^ he thought, “and if not then, 
the day after that without fail. I must learn to be 
patient although they should apologize for keeping 
me waiting.^’ 

In the meantime, he would see what there was of 
interest in the city, and by asking questions learn as 
much as possible about the country of the hinterland. 

He had not gone two blocks before he met Rogers. 
The latter was stopping aboard the ship; he felt sure 
that he could wind up his affairs during the week the 
vessel lay in port and had engaged passage for the 
return journey. 

“Hello he greeted David cheerfully. “You still 
here? I thought you might be on your way to the 
ranch by this time.^^ 

“No, we missed connections some way. I can’t 
understand why, but they have not come for me yet. 
But I expect them any minute.” 

“Still got the fever, eh? Still want to go as badly 
as ever?” 

“I certainly have got the fever, and the temperature 
is going up.” 

“Say, you know what I said to you before—I think 
you are one foolish person.” 


ROGERS’ WORK 


39 


“Look here, Rogers,” David retorted hotly. “Why 
are you so concerned over my affairs? I didn’t insist 
on knowing what brought you here but you keep harp¬ 
ing about my business all of the time. Now forget it.” 

“If that is the way you feel, I shall not mention it 
again,” Rogers stammered, looking offended. “But— 
but just because I do not mention it will not make me 
feel differently about it. I am sorry you are so set on 
doing something you will surely regret.” 

“Good-bye.” David wanted to fight but he 
dared not, remembering past experiences and their con¬ 
sequences, so he quickly continued on his way. 

Three days passed and still David remained un¬ 
sought by anyone from the ranch. The fact began 
to worry him. 

He had spent the time alternately waiting in the 
hotel and tramping the streets. The very sight of the 
Teatro Nacional, at first so imposing on its built-up 
pedestal that covers an entire city block; the plazas 
with their tropical trees, shrubs and dazzling flowers; 
the hot, winding streets; and the parrots shrieking and 
squawking from their perches in the doorways of the 
squat, thick-walled buildings; all began to pall on him. 
He had not come all that distance to see cities; if that 
had been his desire he might have remained at home. 
What he longed for was the great outdoors and the 
myriad, varied possibilities it brought with it. 

Why did not they come or at least communicate 
with him? he asked himself again and again. He 
could bear the suspense no longer. He would com¬ 
municate with theni. 


40 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

The telephone occurred to him first of all as the most 
rapid means but, of course, there was no service to Las 
Palmas. Nor was it possible to send a telegram. A 
letter was the only thing he could think of; but when 
they called for the letter they would also come for him. 
So there was in reality no way of communicating with 
them after all. 

In desperation, he went to the owner of the hotel 
and told him what was on his mind. 

‘Tf they knew you were coming and wanted you at 
Las Palmas, they would have been here,’^ the latter 
said. ‘What do you expect to do there, anyway? My 
a'dvice would be to go back home, if you asked me. 
You will be better off there.’’ 

“Good Heavens! This is beginning to look like a 
conspiracy of some kind,” David started, but checked 
himself. Again the visions of past experiences loomed 
up before him. He would endure almost anything 
rather than take a single chance of spoiling this new 
and greatest of all ventures. So he turned and walked 
away. 

“I know what I’ll do,” he decided. “I’ll see the 
American Consul. He will fix me up.” 

Just as he turned to enter the doorway beneath the 
shield that served as the guiding sign to the consul’s 
office he almost collided with Rogers coming out. 

They exchanged greetings and each went his way. 

After waiting a few minutes in the anteroom he was 
admitted to the official’s presence and briefly explained 
his mission. The consul listened impatiently for a 
minute and then interrupted the recital. 


ROGERS’ WORK 


41 


^Tou will never get on there,” he said. “It is no 
place for an American without practical experience. 
Las Palmas is a particularly bad place and Rice is a 
terrible person—they call him the viper.” 

David was boiling within, but said nothing, so the 
official continued: 

“The ranch is a new one, just being opened up. No 
one but the natives and Indians can do the clean-up 
work that is in progress now. You would die in a little 
while if you tried it. I will fix up your passport and 
you start back on the next boat.” 

“I see,” said David simply, without betraying his 
feeling. “Thank you for your offer but I cannot 
accept it just now for I am certainly not going back 
home. I came to stay.” 

“Stay and you will be sorry.” 

“Thai’s up to me. And if Mr. Rogers comes to see 
you again, give him a passport. I intend to see to it 
that he leaves the country on the next boat.” 

The air in the street lacked the cooling quality neces¬ 
sary to restore David’s ruffied temper. Heat-waves 
rose from the flag-stones and smote him in the face 
and the slight eddies that whirled around the corners 
could have come out of the mouth of a furnace—they 
were so stifling. 

The truth of the whole matter dawned upon David 
at last. Rogers was the cause of all the discourage¬ 
ments he had met. The business upon which he had 
come was to try to persuade him to return home. He 
had been sent for that purpose. He chuckled grimly 
as he thought how Rogers would have to report failure 


42 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


of his mission. They would see that he was not a 
quitter. He did not blame his father for guarding 
his welfare but he would prove to the world that he 
could look after his own interest in any place and under 
any circumstances. The newly acquired knowledge 
made him more determined than ever. So, as he re¬ 
turned to his lodgings a plan formed itself in his mind; 
he would put it into effect without delay. There was 
but one other matter that had to be attended to first. 
He must see that Rogers actually sailed on the de¬ 
parting steamer; with him out of the way, the rest 
would be easy. 

A full hour before the ship was due to leave, David 
went aboard. And about the first person he met on 
deck was Rogers. 

^‘1 came to see you off,’’ he said in a friendly manner. 

Rogers looked at him with a puzzled expression on 
his face. 

^^You are going, aren’t you?” 

“Why, yes, I guess so.” 

“Seems to me you ought to know for sure. If you 
don’t, I will tell you. You are. I am on to your 
game. The best thing for you to do is not to waste any 
more time. Tell them back home I am all right; and 
that you did your best to discourage me but—you know 
the result. I am sending letters on this same boat. 
Now, good-bye, and have a nice trip. I am going to 
wait at the dock until you are out of sight.” 

For a moment Rogers did not know what to say. 
Then he extended his hand. 

“Good-bye,” he said simply. 


ROGERS’ WORK 43 

hard feelings so far as I am concerned. You 
went to a lot of trouble for nothing.” 

‘‘I am sorry, that is all.” Rogers appeared dejected. 
‘^And I can only hope that you will reconsider the 
matter before it is too late. Remember how they feel 
about it back home.” 

David went ashore and waited. It was with a feel¬ 
ing of relief that he saw the ship move out into the 
river at last, with Rogers at the rail waving a last 
farewell. When the vessel finally disappeared from 
view he turned his steps toward that section of the 
riverbank where a number of launches were tied up, 
with their crews either aboard or on the bank. 

^Where can I hire a boat?” he asked one of the men. 
‘‘I want to go a short distance up the river.” 

^There is the capitain” the sailor replied, pointing 
to a man dressed exactly like the others but wearing 
an officer’s cap on his head. 

David repeated the question to the person indicated. 

^Where to?” he asked. 

“The ranch Las Palmas.” 

“Why don’t you go on one of the Las Palmas 
launches?” the captain asked abruptly. 

“I would if I knew where to find one. But I have 
been waiting a number of days and none of their 
boats has put in here,” David explained. 

“I will show you one. See that gray launch right 
over there, the Aguilaf That belongs to the ranch.” 

David could have shouted for joy. They had come 
for him at last. He hurried to the Aguila. Perhaps 
Mr. Rice had come in person to greet him. This was 


44 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


luck indeed! Probably he had hurried to the hotel 
with apologies for the delay; but no need for that inas¬ 
much as he had finally come and the long wait was 
over. There was the possibility, however, that he was 
still aboard the launch. 

By the time David reached the boat it was almost 
impossible to suppress his eagerness and excitement. 

“The Aguila comes from Las Palmas,” he began, “so 
they tell me. Is Mr. Rice on board now?” 

A sailor who was washing several articles of clothing 
by beating them on the rocks near the water’s edge 
looked up. 

“No,” he said. “Senhor Rice is not here. He never 
travels on the Aguila—it is not good enough for him.” 

“Doesn’t he ever visit Manaos?” 

“Yes, when there is some good reason for it but he 
always uses the Indio which is larger and much finer; 
you should see it. The Aguila is for the peons and 
the cook when they come to buy provisions.” 

“Where is the Indio now?” David was becoming 
somewhat uneasy. 

“At Las Palmas.” 

“Didn’t Senhor Rice say anything about coming to 
Manaos in the near future?” 

“He never talks to the peons, so I don’t know.” 

“You see,” David explained, “I am on my way to the 
ranch and they were to send for me.” 

“/Si, Senhor” The man now stopped washing and 
listened respectfully. 

“Did you hear anything about that?” 

“Ao, Senhor” 


ROGERS’ WORK 


45 


'When do you start back?” 

"This afternoon.” 

"Today?” in surprise. "When did you arrive?” 

"Two days ago.” 

"There must be a misunderstanding somewhere. I 
have been waiting a good many days and this is the 
first I heard of your coming, and that was by accident. 
Who is in charge of the boat?” 

"The captain. He went with the others to get some 
rice and other things. He will be back soon.” 

"I’ll wait, then.” 

"Yes, Senhor,” and the man resumed his washing. 

Here was a new predicament he had not counted on. 
For a while he racked his brain in an effort to disen¬ 
tangle the puzzle, but it was of no avail. He was com¬ 
pelled to give it up. There was certainly a mix-up 
somewhere and that was all there was to it. By and 
by it would be all cleared up and he would then laugh 
at his present anxiety and vexation. 

The captain arrived before very long, followed by 
three men carrying heavy bags on their shoulders. He 
was a thick-set, burly fellow and one could tell at a 
glance that he was accustomed to giving orders which 
others dared not hesitate long in obeying. A stubby 
beard covered the greater part of his face effectually, 
concealing his features—all but the eyes—small, black 
and penetrating. A flat cap with a long peak was 
perched on the top of his head, the black hair, touched 
with gray, appearing under the rim in a dense, unkempt 
ring. 

That head-dress, David was to learn later, was typi- 


46 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


cal of the masters of the smaller river craft and was 
their only badge of position and authority for, other¬ 
wise, they were dressed exactly like their ragged crews. 

David did not like the looks of the swarthy new¬ 
comer. But that did not matter. He wanted to get 
to Las Palmas and the man possessed the means of 
getting him there. 

^‘My name is David Jones and I am from New 
York,’^ he said by way of greeting. 'T have been 
waiting a long time for you.’^ 

‘^Me? Why have you been waiting for me? What 
do you want?^’ the captain asked in surprise. 

^‘1 want to get to the ranch. DidnT Mr. Rice 
instruct you to bring me out?’’ 

'T don’t know anything about it. Nobody said a 
word to me.” 

‘Well,” David tried to conceal his impatience with 
a laugh, ‘T am expected at the ranch and I want to get 
there so soon as possible. I can have my baggage here 
in fifteen minutes.” 

The captain was looking at him sharply, even 
suspiciously. 

“Do you think this is a passenger boat?” he asked. 
“We don’t carry strangers without a written order 
from the boss.” 

“But this is different,” David protested. “I am 
not a stranger. They are looking for me. Mr. Rice 
must have misunderstood the date or he would have 
been here personally.” 

“That is not my fault,” said the captain gruffly. 

“But I can go with you, can’t I?” 


ROGERS’ WORK 


47 


“No! If you knew the boss you would not ask me 
to take you. He is awful when anyone does a thing 
he don’t like. He killed a man for that very thing 
last week.” 

“I am not afraid he’ll kill me.” 

“Neither am I. I don’t care what happens to you 
but I do care what happens to me.” 

“How soon is the Aguila coming back to Manaos?” 
said David in despair. 

“Not for six months. Next week she starts on a 
long trip to carry supplies to the rubber camps up¬ 
river.” 

“And the Indiof” 

“The Indio has a broken propeller. They sent for 
a new one but it generally takes a year to get any¬ 
thing from abroad.” 

“Say,” David was wiping his face in desperation, “I 
have to get to Las Palmas and that is all there is to it.” 

“I have nothing against it. Get there any way you 
like—but not on the Aguila” 

A sudden idea came to him. Perhaps the fellow 
wanted money. 

“I’ll pay you well. How much do you want?” he 
asked. 

The Brazilian straightened up; his eyes blazed. 

“Are you trying to bribe me?” he bellowed, “and 
right in front of my men? If you are, you’re insult¬ 
ing me. I am paid for my work and I want none of 
your money. A fine person, you are, to try to buy me 
to disobey my chief’s orders.” 

“I did nothing of the kind,” David returned hotly. 


48 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


offered you money to pay my passage because I 
could hardly ask a stranger to carry me for nothing.’^ 

‘Well, I accept your explanation, but you will not 
go, just the same. That is settled—understand? I 
am very busy.^’ This was said in such a manner that 
David could not fail to grasp its significance. 

He was in a quandary. It was just one discourag¬ 
ing thing after another. Would matters ever become 
straightened out? He must go on that launch, for 
had not the burly captain told him there would not be 
another in months? He made one more desperate 
effort. 

‘T am going on the Aguila whether you like it or 
not. And when I get to Las Palmas—he began, but 
the captain stopped him. 

“Talk all you want to, but if I catch you aboard my 
boat Ill throw you into the river,’^ he threatened. 

David looked at the man and knew he would keep 
his word. His mind worked fast; he thought of one 
other thing. 

“How soon do you start?’^ he asked. 

“In two hours.^^ 

“Will you take a letter for me?’^ 

“Yes, I will take a letter or as many as you want to 
send, but I will not take you, so don’t ask it again. 
Las Palmas is no place for a foreigner. It is terrible 
there—^snakes, insects and fevers. And the boss treats 
us like dogs.” 

David ignored these remarks. 

“I’ll go to the hotel to write the letter and will bring 
it to you in less than an hour.” 



ROGERS^ WORK 


49 


He hastened back to his room to prepare the mis¬ 
sive, and ignoring a first impulse to write all that had 
occurred during the last hour, he only stated that he 
had arrived and was eager to reach the ranch, but had 
no way of doing so. 

“When Mr. Rice gets this hell ask the captain ques¬ 
tions and then hell be furious at the way I have been 
treated,” he thought. “And hell make him turn right 
around and come back for me. Then it will be my 
turn to show off, just as he did, and it will serve him 
right. He will soon find out who I am.” 

He hastened back to the river to deliver the letter, 
and as he thought the matter over he was glad he had 
omitted all reference to the captain, for the latter 
would doubtless read it and if he found anything too 
personal he would destroy it. 

Bad as it was, his position could have been a great 
deal worse. It was now a question of only a few days 
more of waiting. That was a certainty. 

But when David reached the river, breathless and 
perspiring, a new calamity awaited him. The Aguila 
was gone. 

He looked up and down the river; there was no sign 
of the boat. As he stood on the sand, too stunned to 
move, a sailor came up to him and spoke sympatheti¬ 
cally. 

“Are you looking for the AguilaV^ he asked. 

David subconsciously murmered assent. 

“She left over half an hour ago—right after you 
went away.” 

“Thanks.” 


50 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


David turned and slowly walked away. Try as he 
would to banish the feeling, there was no denying the 
fact that his experiences were beginning to dim the 
glamor of the life he had longed for; and that, too, in 
the face of the fact that so far he had accomplished 
absolutely nothing. 

He went to the post office and mailed the letter, hop¬ 
ing that somehow or other it would reach its destina¬ 
tion. 


CHAPTER 


A CHANGE OF FORTUNE 

David felt sure that he was the most luckless of all 
persons. So far, about everything had gone wrong. 
But there must be a turning-point somewhere. It 
was strange how a single misunderstanding could cause 
so much confusion. 

To make matters worse, regardless of what hap¬ 
pened he had to accept the situation in apparent good 
humor, for he dared not assert himself too strongly. 
If there had been trouble, he would have been blamed, 
fairly or unfairly; that had been, almost invariably, 
his experience. Rather than take a single chance at 
spoiling this opportunity of a lifetime he would suffer 
in silence. But when the day came, as it surely would, 
when he had won his spurs, he would demonstrate that 
he could direct affairs as well as obey the orders of 
others. 

He had wanted to thrash Rogers; and the American 
Consul should at least have been told that his duties 
did not include meddling in other people’s business. 
As for the gruff captain of the Aguila —he should re¬ 
ceive his dues when the time came; Mr. Rice would 
of course make him regret his rude conduct toward his 
guest. 


51 


52 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


When David reached his hotel his indignation was 
still at the boiling point. He must relieve his mind to 
someone and that person, unfortunately, was the owner 
of the hotel, for he happened to be the first one he 
chanced to meet. 

He told him the whole episode from beginning to end 
omitting none of the details. The man listened atten¬ 
tively until the recital was finished. Then he grunted, 
with an amused expression on his face. 

‘^Hum! I think he did right in not taking you. His 
orders were clear.’’ 

‘^Yes, but how about the letter? He said he was 
leaving in two hours and then went in half an hour.” 

“There may have been a reason for the change. If 
you knew his boss you would not blame him for being 
careful. Las Palmas is a notorious place. Everyone 
who can, avoids it. Those who are there are slaves— 
they are afraid to leave. Rice has the reputation of 
being the worst character in the country.” 

“That’s very interesting,” David retorted. “I am 
very glad to hear it because I had the idea that all 
ranch life had become tame and commonplace. It will 
be great to see a real place—I can hardly wait to get 
there.” 

“And how are you going to get there?” the Brazilian 
asked with a smile. 

“That is the question just now; but, once there, I 
guess I can look out for myself.” 

“You can’t walk. It is many, many kilometers 
away. And the ranch boats, you say, will not be back 
in a long time.” 


53 


A CHANCE OF FORTUNE 

‘^Right! Still, I will find a way,” 

‘‘Let me assure you that you will not. Now listen. 
You do not know how lucky you are to have escaped 
that outfit at Las Palmas-’’ 

“And next,’^ David interrupted, “you will be saying 
that there is a boat out of here for New York soon and 
I had better take it.^ 

The hotel man looked sheepish. 

“I thought so,’^ David continued. “Save yourself 
any further trouble on my account. You take care 
of your business and I’ll tend mine. Please remember 
that.” 

Leaving the astonished Brazilian he went to his room 
and spent the greater part of an hour looking out of 
the window at the little plaza across the street and— 
thinking. 

“I can’t stay here any longer,” he finally concluded. 
“If I do I’ll get into a fight and I don’t want to fight. 
I’ll have to watch my step.” 

He packed his belongings, slowly and without paying 
a great deal of attention to just what he was doing. 
When he entered the office and asked for his statement 
the owner of the hotel appeared grieved. 

“Why are you leaving now?” he asked. “The boat 
does not leave until tomorrow.” 

David gritted his teeth but smiled. 

“I know it. But I am sailing out of here right now. 
How much is it? I am in a hurry.” 

A moment later he stepped out into the street and 
turned in the opposite direction to which he intended 
going, knowing that inquisitive eyes were following 



54 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

him. A few blocks away he entered a side street and 
then came back toward the center of the city. He 
found one of the smaller inns and secured a room with¬ 
out arousing comment. Now he felt more free to 
pursue the plan he had formed for, unknown and 
among disinterested persons, he was more apt to get 
the help and information he needed. Or at least there 
would be no interference. 

He made no inquiries until late the following morn¬ 
ing. Haste or a show of too great eagerness might 
arouse suspicion. And then, after artfully swinging 
the conversation he had started with the clerk to hunt¬ 
ing and to big game, he casually inquired if it would be 
possible to hire a launch or boat of any kind for a trip 
up the river. 

Much to his delight he was told that such a thing 
could be arranged without trouble. There were 
numerous craft leaving the port daily that would drop 
him at any of the little colonies or camps situated 
along the river bank. The clerk even gave him the 
names of several persons with whom arrangements 
could be made for such an outing. 

To David the future seemed decidedly brighter and 
not long after he sought the first man on his list. After 
locating the man—the keeper of a small shop on the 
Rua Amazonas, and making a trivial purchase, he re¬ 
marked that he might find it necessary to make a short 
journey on the river and was looking for a launch he 
could hire by the hour or day. 

The Brazilian was quick to grasp the opportunity. 

‘‘My boat is at the disposal of the Senhor,” he said. 


A CHANCE OF FORTUNE 


55 


‘Tt is a good boat, very seaworthy, and does not pitch 
or roll badly; that is important, for the river is so 
enormous and storms come up suddenly. Where do 
you want to go?” 

'^How much, by the day?^^ David countered. 

“Sixty milreis. I will go with you and run the 
launch myself.’’ 

David hesitated for a moment, as if pondering the 
proposition. Sixty milreis equalled twelve dollars. 

“Well,” he said thoughtfully, “your price is pretty 
high but if the boat is extra good I guess I will take it. 
I want to start tomorrow.” 

“How far do you want to go? I must know on ac¬ 
count of the provisions. 

“How far can you go in one day?” 

“Eighty or a hundred kilometers.” 

“We can make it in a day then.” 

“I shall be ready tomorrow, at any time you say,” 
the Brazilian said with finality. 

David could have shouted for joy: At last he had 
found the way. 

“I think an early start is best, don’t you?” he said 
as calmly as he could. “Six o’clock will be all right. 
So get everything ready today and then there will be 

no delays in the morning.” 

“Very good. Now, exactly where do you want to 

go?” 

Dark clouds again appeared on David’s horizon. 

“To one of the ranches along the river,” he replied 

quickly. 


56 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


‘^Yes, but just where? There are several and how 
will I know which one is the right one?” 

“It makes no difference, as I am paying by the day. 
If it takes a little over one day I will pay you for two 
whole days.” 

“That part of it is all right. But I am compelled 
to make out papers for the port officials when I carry 
passengers.” 

“Make them when you get back. Then you will 
know just what to say.” The situation was desperate 
for David. 

“I could do that,” he said thoughtfully, and again 
David felt elated. But after a moment the Brazilian 
continued, “There is only one place on the whole river 
to which I can take no one.” 

“What place is that?” with bated breath. 

“Las Palmas. That is the one ranch where a land¬ 
ing is forbidden.” 

“Why? That is the very spot I am bound for.” 

“I am sorry, but as I said, I cannot take you there. 
The owner is a foreigner. He is very terrible,” the 
Brazilian explained. “Nobody dares stop there with¬ 
out a written permit. It is all very mysterious and 
you should hear the tales that are told about the hap¬ 
penings at Las Palmas.” 

David tried to laugh; he felt more like crying. 

“It is different in my case,” he stammered. “I am 
expected there. Arrangements were made by cable 
for them to meet me here but there was some misun¬ 
derstanding about the date. You will be taking no 
chances” 


A CHANCE OF FORTUNE 57 

^^You do not know that outfit or you would not talk 
like that. I will not go.^’ 

‘T will give you twice your regular price.” 

'^Not for a million milreis! What good would they 
do me after I was full of bullets or poisoned arrows? 
The shop-keeper was firm. 

^Are they really so bad as all that?” David asked 
incredulously. 

^Worse. Much worse. Once the government 
threatened to send soldiers there to investigate things 
and they sent back word to come on with the whole 
army but to bid it good-bye first for they would never 
see any part of it again. So you see what kind of 
people you are dealing with.” 

^^All right,” David assumed an indifferent air. ‘Tf 
you don’t want my money there are others who do.” 

‘‘Yes, Senhor. They are welcome to it.” 

Seeing that argument was useless, David took his 
departure and went to the second man on his list. 

The negotiations proceeded smoothly as before until 
it became necessary to disclose his destination. Then 
the Brazilian absolutely refused to go any further with 
the matter. Nor could he be swayed from his deter¬ 
mination. He would go anywhere, even to Santa 
Isabel or the Cassiquiare that connects the Rio Negro 
with the Orinoco—trips of many weeks’ duration. But 
to Las Palmas? “Never!” most emphatically. 

David was more crestfallen than ever as he went in 
search of the third man. “There is something very 
mysterious about all this,” he thought. “If it is really 
such an awful place I had better keep away from it. 


58 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


But I have to see it first. I can leave if I don’t like 
it—that is, if I ever get there.” 

The interview with launch owner number three was 
shorter than the other two. This man was gruff, even 
discourteous, and wanted to know first of all where 
he wanted to go. And when David told him, he sim¬ 
ply shrugged his shoulders, said “No,” and walked 
away. 

There were still others to be seen, but David de¬ 
cided that he had had enough for one day. He walked 
to the river and looked across the broad expanse of 
water, ruffled by the breeze, muddy, and gliding along 
majestically and silently as if fully aware of its awe¬ 
inspiring grandeur and power. Where did all that 
water come from? Where was it going? What secrets 
were locked up in the pitiless flood? What strange 
and unknown denizens lurked in its dark depths? And, 
what treasures were strewn upon the bottom of the 
bed over which this torrent rushed, heedlessly, relent¬ 
lessly and everlastingly? Day and night, rain or shine 
—it was always the same, oblivious to all things save 
only the fulfilment of some mission on which it was 
always hurrying, hurrying, yet seemed never to accom¬ 
plish. Men might come and go—all men might come 
and go—but what of it? Countless numbers had done 
that very thing along its unreckoned shores and not 
a few of them had been engulfed in the heartless 
waters. Thousands of years old, it was nevertheless 
young. When other ages had passed there would be 
still no traces of age or decay. Always the same— 
always the same. 


A CHANCE OF FORTUNE 


59 


Such were the thoughts that surged through David^s 
mind as he gazed at the wide river, with the tiny 
waves laving his feet. They gave him an uncomfort¬ 
able feeling such as he had not experienced before. 
He admired the stream for its enormity and respected 
its untold might; but he was not so sure that he 
liked it. 

Numbers of dugouts, batalaos and other craft were 
tied up along the bank. The idea came to him sud¬ 
denly. If he could not hire a launch, why not take 
one of these? The trip would require more time and 
be less comfortable, but these things would be minor 
considerations. 

He approached a group of men near one of the bata¬ 
laos and asked guarded questions as to the uses to 
which it was put. And then he swung the conver¬ 
sation to navigation in general on the river; to the 
country bordering the stream and to kindred topics, 
and so secured a good deal of information that was 
of value to him. 

He learned, for instance, that the craft was sea¬ 
worthy and was used on the longest journeys, fre¬ 
quently of months’ duration. That travelling in a 
batalao was a slow process unless the wind held out 
when sails were used to advantage ,\ during the inter¬ 
vals of calm, oars or poles were used and even long- 
handled hooks to catch in the overhanging vegetation. 
Last of all, in answer to his question as to whether 
he could rent or buy such a craft, he was told that 
it was probably impossible to do either. All of them 
were owned by the proprietors of rubber concessions 


60 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


or similar ventures, and were employed in their service 
exclusively, excepting only a few in the possession of 
professional rivermen; these latter were usually under 
contract to some patron and were engaged in some 
private pursuit such as fishing or freighting, which 
they could not desert. 

That was the last straw. As David walked away 
he began to believe that he should never reach Las 
Palmas. 

“Luck is certainly against me,’’ he murmured. “I’ll 
flip a coin to see what I’ll do. If it’s heads I will stay 
and keep on trying and if it’s tails I’ll—I’ll stay any¬ 
way. There must be a way of getting to that place; 
but I haven’t thought of it. The way will come to 
me—^if I wait long enough.” 

And come it did, sooner than he expected. The very 
next day the opportunity presented itself in the guise 
of a very large batalao that swept down the river, 
manned by twenty swarthy oarsmen, and joined the 
collection of other boats at the landing. 

Somehow, that outfit was different from the others. 
The men did not look like the sailors along the water¬ 
front. They spoke a different language and the Bra¬ 
zilians on shore did not greet them with the usual 
cries and banterings. 

David was interested in the new arrivals at once. 
“The way to find out things is to ask questions,” he 
thought. “I will find out about them.” 

He did not go to the man in charge of the batalao, 
but to one of the Brazilians to whom he had spoken 
on several other occasions. 



61 


A CHANCE OF FORTUNE 

The boat had come from Venezuela, he learned, by 
way of the Cassiquiare that connects the Orinoco with 
the Rio Negro of the Amazon side. The men were 
Venezuelans and were traders who plied their calling 
along the great rivers, visiting all the settlements and 
even the solitary huts, buying native produce and sell¬ 
ing provisions, dry goods, hardware and ammunition. 
They travelled in a leisurely manner and knew more 
about the rivers and their navigation than any other 
persons. With them, time was no object and only 
when their stock of goods was on the verge of exhaus¬ 
tion, or when they had accumulated a cargo of native 
products to sell, did they make for the nearest market 
and base of supply. That was why they had come to 
Manaos now—to dispose of vanilla beans, copaiba oil, 
gold nuggets and a number of other things and to re¬ 
plenish their supply of trading articles; for now they 
were going to the rubber camps of the Upper Amazon, 
this being the season of harvest of that product. To ac¬ 
complish the double object of their visit would require 
at least a week, probably two. 

Much to his delight, David found that the pilot of 
the new boat had a fair knowledge of the Portuguese 
language—better than his own, in fact—and he struck 
up an acquaintance with him at once; but he did not 
hurry matters. There was plenty of time to cultivate 
friendship, and haste might cause him to be suspected 
of some ulterior motive. 

David called at the wharf daily and finally the cap¬ 
tain accepted his invitation and returned the visits, 
even remaining to dinner at the inn. They attended 


62 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

a performance at the Teatro Nacional later and then 
were firm friends. 

When the craft was about ready to depart, ten days 
later, David suddenly announced to Don Marco, for 
that was the captain’s name, that he would accompany 
him on the trip up the river. The latter was at first 
surprised and then amused; it seemed a joke; but 
when David insisted that he was in earnest he was 
pleased. Only one thing puzzled him; he was not 
equipped to carry passengers. The crew ate almost 
anything, slept anywhere and shifted for itself. 

David assured Don Marco that he should be con¬ 
tented with the same conditions. He expected no 
special consideration. He would even help with the 
work if desirable and would go as one of the party. 

‘Tf you will do that,” the captain said at last, “I 
shall certainly be glad to have you. But how will 
you get back? We may not touch at Manaos again 
for a year, perhaps longer.” 

“That will be all right,” David replied. “You will 
stop at all the settlements and ranches-” 

“Yes. We miss none of them.” 

“Then I can stop off at one of them v/hen I have 
seen enough of the river. It may be in a few days 
or it may be longer, according to how fast we travel.” 

“Splendid. Get your things together and I will send 
a mozo for them this afternoon. You will need a ham¬ 
mock, a mosquito net and a blanket. Take anything 
else you want to.” 

David hurried away and purchased the necessary 



A CHANCE OF FORTUNE 63 

articles. In addition, he also bought chocolate and a 
few other things he thought would be necessary. 

For him the tide had turned. For once he was with¬ 
out misgivings. At last he was about to embark on 
the great river; it was the beginning of a long voyage, 
but he was eager to entrust himself to the whims of 
the mighty stream to be wafted wherever fate decreed 
—as a chip drifts and eddies in obedience to the unseen 
forces that control its destiny. 


CHAPTER VI 


HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER 

The man came, as promised, and carried the baggage 
from the inn to the boat. David had never lost sight 
of the fact that his belongings must be kept at the 
minimum; but he had added to them constantly—the 
hammock and net, for instance, and while all the arti¬ 
cles were necessary ones, they increased the sum total 
until they now filled a large suit case and a bag. 

He followed the sailor as soon as he could settle 
his account and mail a few letters he had written the 
night before. 

It was still early in the morning. The batalao, which 
bore the name Elisa Ana in black letters on both sides, 
was scheduled to start before noon. But there were 
innumerable things to be attended to at the last 
minute. Don Marco made several trips into the city 
for things he had forgotten. Then the sailors went 
for personal supplies of matches and tobacco, which 
they might have purchased long before. And when, 
at three in the afternoon, everything was apparently 
in readiness, it was discovered that one of the men 
was missing. Two of the others were sent to find him 
but the trio did not show up until six o’clock. The 
captain was furious and berated them soundly, for 

64 


HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER 65 


now it was too late to start that day, but they would 
get under way very early the following morning. 

They were all required to remain aboard that night. 
David swung his hammock in a corner indicated by 
Don Marco and rigged his net over it. The heat was 
stifling and, worse still, the hammock was most uncom¬ 
fortable; it sagged low in the middle while the ends 
were up high, so that David had to lie on his back 
with his body bent like a bow. He tossed about for 
a while and finally decided that if he was to secure 
any sleep that night it would have to be elsewhere 
than in the hammock, so he clambered out and 
stretched himself on the bare boards of the little for¬ 
ward deck. 

Don Marco had observed this action and asked the 
reason for it. 

“I canT sleep all doubled up in the hammock,’^ 
David explained. ^^The ends must be too close to¬ 
gether, because my head and feet are way up in the 
air.’^ 

‘^You donT know how to use it,’’ the captain said 
with a laugh. ‘T will show you. Look! You have to 
lie crosswise, not in a straight line with the hammock.” 

David tried it, lying diagonally with his head in the 
upper right-hand corner and his feet in the lower left- 
hand corner. The effect was magical. The hammock 
straightened out flat and he was very comfortable. 

The crew was active early the next morning—long 
before daylight broke over the river. The cook had 
kindled a fire on a box of sand in the bow while the 
others squatted around him watching, and conversing 


66 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


in loud voices. When the water was bubbling he pro¬ 
duced a container that looked like a very large pipe 
and filled it with leaves out of a bag. 

David, looking on, thought it was some kind of a 
pipe and tobacco, and was therefore surprised to see 
the man pour the steaming water into it. Then a short 
stem was inserted in the top opening and the cook 
handed it to the captain, who proceeded to draw up 
the liquor through the tube. When he had drunk all 
of it the cook refilled the bowl with water and brought 
it over to David. 

‘What is it?’’ the latter asked. “Coffee?” 

“No! Yerba mate, or Brazilian tea. It is very 
good. Try it.” 

David did not like the idea of drinking through the 
tube that had already been used, but did not want to 
appear churlish, so took a sip. The concoction tasted 
bitter and astringent. He handed back the homhilla, 
for that was the name of the outfit. Don Marco and 
the men laughed. 

“He does not like our drink,” they said, “but he will 
get used to it. It is very delicious and a good medi¬ 
cine, too, but one has to learn to drink it.” 

The cook prepared coffee for David while the rest 
of the party continued to fill the bombilla with hot 
water and to pass it around from one to the other 
until each had had it at least half a dozen times. 
Occasionally it was recharged with fresh leaves, but all 
drank through the same tube. 

Later in the day Don Marco told David a good deal 
about yerba mate, which seemed to be a kind of na- 


HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER 67 


tional beverage in Brazil and some of the neighboring 
countries, liked by rich and poor and almost univer¬ 
sally taken from a common container such as he had 
seen that morning. 

The plant from which the leaves are taken is a 
species of South American holly growing abundantly 
in parts of Brazil, the Argentine and Paraguay, and 
remaining green the year round. They are gathered 
while small, when they are of a light green color, by 
cutting the branches from the plant and heaping them 
in piles to dry, after which they are shaken over a 
cloth to catch them as they fall from the withered 
stems. 

This tea had been the principal beverage of the 
Guarani Indians when the country was first settled, 
and the invaders found it so excellent that they fol¬ 
lowed the custom of the aborigines in drinking it. 

David became so interested in yerba mate after 
learning these facts that he bought an outfit of the 
trader for his personal use and soon learned to drink 
the native tea in preference to coffee. 

The morning cup being over, the sailors brought in 
the rope hawser and took up the long-handled oars. 
Soon they had rowed the craft far out into the river, 
where the current was strongest, for they were now 
heading down the Rio Negro to its junction with the 
upper Amazon. A sail was hoisted and as there was 
a brisk wind they travelled at a rapid rate and reached 
the Amazon in less than two hours’ time. 

David now had ample time to examine the boat on 
which he had been accepted as a fellow voyager. It 


68 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


was large, very large, in fact, for such a craft, being 
fifty feet long and twelve feet wide, but of very shal¬ 
low draft. The bottom and sides were made of thick 
boards spiked to heavy, hand-hewn timbers. There 
was a small deck forward and another aft, the spaces 
below being used for storage, and over each was a 
small, rounded shelter of palm leaves. 

Along each side was a runway of boards like a 
narrow outrigger on which the men walked when pol¬ 
ing the boat through shallow water. 

In the center was a board structure which made the 
batalao look like a long houseboat. This was the 
store and was filled with provisions and merchandise 
placed on shelves and in heaps on the floor. Almost 
everything of value to the dwellers in the interior was 
carried, including tinned foods, rice, beans, dried fish, 
oil, cloth, fish-hooks, knives and matches. Also to¬ 
bacco, mate, and quantities of the staple food along 
the Amazon—farinha. 

The men next attracted David’s attention. Al¬ 
though he had seen most of them during the previous 
days he had not had the opportunity to study them 
closely. There were twenty; strong, sun-burnt, good- 
natured and ragged, but not very energetic. However, 
when Don Marco shouted an order it was quickly car¬ 
ried out. They either respected or feared him—it was 
impossible to tell which. 

As the boat, aided by the current, sped'along, the 
sailors busied themselves tidying up things in general, 
^nd looking to the paraphernalia they would need 


HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER 69 

during the journey up-stream, which would begin 
shortly. 

The river was but slightly ruffled, the dark-colored 
water speeding along in a broad belt between high, 
rolling banks covered with dense forest. 

There were many other craft on the river, including 
a tramp freighter from some foreign port, launches, 
and a number of huge dugout canoes laden with ba¬ 
nanas, nuts and other produce on its way to the city 
markets. 

The crews always called to one another if the outfits 
passed within hailing distance, each asking as many 
questions as possible as to destination, business and 
other things, before conversation was checked by the 
growing distance between them. 

As they neared the junction of the two streams the 
course of the boat was altered, for after entering the 
larger river they would journey up-stream; they would 
be compelled to hug closely the forested bank where 
the current was slack, if there were no wind. 

The vista of the two rivers, joining their waters to 
form a mightier stream visible below and appearing 
like a ruffled sea, was majestic. Also, it was terrific 
in its very grandeur. The dark water of the Rio Negro 
did not at once mingle with or become absorbed by 
the muddy flood of the Solimoes, but the two ran side 
by side a distance of many miles, the sharp distin¬ 
guishing line clearly visible, before merging their 
identities. 

The scene was a wild and dismal one and David 
was impressed with his own littleness and that of those 


70 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


about him. The contrast had not seemed so great 
from the high deck of the steamer when he came up 
the river; but in the comparatively frail shell of the 
batalao it was different. The craft seemed so small, 
so helpless on the broad, billowy expanse of hurrying 
water. A rowboat in mid-ocean would not seem more 
out of place. 

The sailors, apparently, were well versed in the ways 
of navigating the great rivers. They handled the sails 
and the rudder in a skilful manner and were soon 
tacking up-stream with a cross wind. Progress was 
now more slow, and when, an hour later, the wind 
failed so that the sails hung limply in the rigging, 
they were furled and made fast. 

The water near the bank was shallow—not over four 
feet deep and generally a good deal less. Long poles 
were brought out; they had cross-pieces padded with 
cloth on one end and looked like tall crutches.. Each 
man took one and then the crew was divided into two 
sections, one of which went to each outrigger board 
along the sides. The sharp ends of the poles were 
thrust to the sandy bottom while the men braced their 
shoulders against the padded ends and then pushed, 
running back along the boards in an even line. This 
propelled the boat along fairly rapidly, but it was hard 
work. 

The sailors pushed the heavy craft forward with the 
poles throughout the remainder of the day, stopping 
only at noon for their ration of farinha and an houPs 
rest. 

. Towards late afternoon they reached a section of the 


HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER 71 


river flanked by wide marshes. Great masses of vegeta¬ 
tion floated on the surface of the stream, such as wild 
lettuce, water hyacinths with inflated stems and blue 
flowers in spikes, lilies, and a host of other plants. 
The giant Victoria Regia margined the sheets of varied 
green in immense clumps and ribbons. Each leaf of 
this queen of water lilies was from six to eight feet 
in diameter, with upturned edges so that they resem¬ 
bled a cake-tin—^but for their enormous size. Heavy 
veins and midribs supported the leaves with their 
sturdy framework; they were covered with long spines 
and thus served not only to support but also to pro¬ 
tect the tender green webbing of the leaves that 
stretched between them, as if to discourage any famil¬ 
iarity with a member of a royal family. The flowers 
bobbing here and there among the massive foliage were 
not larger than a dinner plate and of a bluish color. 
Although both leaves and blossoms rested lightly on 
the surface of the water, they were securely anchored 
in place with thick, cable-like stems, and roots that 
penetrated the murky bottom a distance of many feet. 

Before long they reached a small creek that served 
as an outlet for some lagoon hidden beyond the forest 
walls. As they entered the heretofore quiet water it 
was churned into a frenzy by long, dark forms that 
darted out of the narrow opening and made for the 
river. They passed on each side of the batalao, cutting 
the surface with broad backs and leaving a perceptible 
swell in their wake. 

“What are they, sharks?'' David asked in surprise. 


72 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


Don Marco said. ^They are called pirarucii 
and are the great cod of the Amazon.’’ 

^^But what monsters! I had no idea there were such 
large fish in any river. They looked longer than a man 
and must weigh a hundred pounds.” 

‘‘Ha! They were twice as big as a man and would 
weigh five or six hundred pounds each. You shall see 
for yourself, if you stay long enough,” the captain 
said with a chuckle. “The river is full of them. Per¬ 
haps we may get one now, for this is a good place to 
fish. We will anchor the boat and try, anyway. The 
fish—many kinds—go up into the lagoon to feed, so 
they have to pass through this little channel both going 
and coming back. The pirarucu were just about to 
enter, but we frightened them, so they rushed back 
into the open water.” 

“Do you think they will come back?” David asked 
eagerly. 

“Yes, if we keep still.” 

“I wish I could catch one; but nobody would believe 
me if I did—and told about it when I got back home.” 
Then brightening, “There is a camera in my suitcase. 
I could take a picture of it; that would fix them.” 

“You would have to catch it first,” Don Marco 
reminded him. 

“Let me have a hook and line. I will try it anyway.” 

“Very good! I will give you a hook and line, so 
you can fish for pacu with the rest of us. The 
pirarucu is so large you must use a harpoon to get it. 
I will keep one handy; perhaps we shall have good 


HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER 73 


luck. But in the meantime we will catch pacu, because 
they are a sure thing.’’ 

They had anchored where the channel was nar¬ 
rowest. The men unwound the lines and baited the 
hooks with plump grains of maize that had been 
soaked until soft. Scarcely had the ripples made by 
the plunges of the heavy sinkers died down when the 
fish began to bite. 

They struck with a powerful rush and dragged the 
line through the water with a burst of speed that was 
surprising. The men swung the poles upward to hook 
the fish securely and then hauled in the lines with 
their hands. Soon the silvery fish, nearly two feet 
long and very broad, were pulled aboard in numbers 
and thrown on the decks. 

David was so absorbed in watching the others that 
he almost forgot his own line. He felt a sudden tug 
and recovered just in time to prevent the loss of his 
pole. He followed the example of the others and soon 
landed the glistening pacu. Catching fish in this man¬ 
ner was not much of a sporting proposition, but it was 
not without its thrill of excitement. 

The sharp eyes of Don Marco caught a slight ripple 
in the water ten yards to their rear. At his word of 
warning the men stopped talking and quietly pulled 
in their lines. 

The pirarucu were returning to their feeding-grounds. 
Slowly they came, and cautiously, swimming just be¬ 
neath the surface and looking like shadows. The school 
was a large one, for the water seemed alive with the 


74 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


giant fish. The captain had noiselessly come to David^s 
side and placed a short iron harpoon in his hand. 

^‘Throw it just as you would a stick and aim about 
a foot ahead of the fish/’ he said. 

A few yards from the boat the foremost of the school 
stopped. David could clearly distinguish the trim out¬ 
lines of the broad, dark backs, the large eyes, the 
gaping mouths and the gently waving fins. What 
monsters they were! And how he longed to possess 
one of them! 

Without warning the fish disappeared. They had 
become suspicious of the boat floating in their path 
and had simply melted into the depths below. 

Don Marco motioned for continued silence. He 
knew the ways of the creatures; before many minutes 
had passed they reappeared as suddenly as they had 
gone. But now they were on all sides of the batalao. 
Their fears had vanished and they moved as a unit 
into the passageway. 

David held the harpoon firmly in his right hand; 
at his feet lay the coil of thick cord that was fastened 
to it. A small keg was perched on the outrigger board; 
it would serve as a buoy to locate the fish when it had 
become exhausted. 

When one of the passing host was almost below him 
David let go the harpoon with all his strength. There 
was a splash, followed immediately by other splashing 
all around them as the entire school sounded. 

The line rushed overboard and cut the water with a 
hissing sound; a moment later the keg followed with 
a splash and began a wild rush into the river. It was a 



A huge silvery form . . . leaped out of the water, rolled and wallowed 

convulsively, and sank from sight. 









HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER 75 


great sight to see the half-submerged buoy tearing 
a wide path through the muddy water, towed by the 
terrified monster deep below. 

‘The curare!” Don Marco shouted; but the men had 
already untied the dugout canoe that trailed behind 
the batalao. The captain, David and two of the sail¬ 
ors jumped into it and they were off after the fleeing 
keg. 

“He canT keep it up very long,’^ Don Marco panted 
as they dug deep their paddles and sped along. “A 
few kilometers at most and the drag will tire him out. 
He must be enormous—look how the keg is travelling. 
If the line should break he will be lost.’’ 

After running downstream several hundred yards 
the float came to a stop. 

“It snapped, or the harpoon did not hold. He’s 
gone,” were the first thoughts that came to the pur¬ 
suers. But a few minutes later it moved again, this 
time heading upstream. That was fortunate for the 
men but unfortunate for the fish, for now it had to 
fight not only the current but pull the hampering 
weight against the stream also. And it was coming 
straight toward the canoe. Soon it was abreast, so 
the paddlers turned the craft and now had no difficulty 
in keeping up with it. 

Bit by bit the fish weakened and after half an hour 
the keg stood still. 

“Now we must get it quickly, before it can rest,” 
the captain called. When they reached the float he 
leaned over, caught the line with his hands and began 


76 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

to pull it in, not hurriedly, but with an even, steady 
movement. 

This, however, gave new life to the fish. It dashed 
away, downstream, but the man retained possession of 
the cord and the canoe tore through the water at great 
speed, her nose ploughing so deeply that it was all but 
submerged. 

The men dropped their paddles and began to bail 
out the water that poured in in a steady stream; but 
soon it became apparent that their efforts could not 
stem the flood that was rising about their feet. If the 
fish did not slacken its pace soon they would have to 
release the line or the canoe would be swamped. 

But the great pirarucu was rapidly exhausting the 
last vestige of its strength in pulling the dugout. It 
was gradually coming nearer the surface; and then a 
huge, silvery form leaped out of the water, rolled and 
wallowed convulsively, and sank from sight. 

Don Marco rapidly took in the line and in a moment 
they had reached the spot where the last ripples were 
dying in a widening circle; soon the prize had been 
brought up from the muddy depths and wallowed help¬ 
lessly beside the boat. 

What a beauty it was! And what a monster! A 
line was made fast just in back of the fins and they 
towed it back to the batalao, where it was hoisted 
aboard. 

As the great fish lay on the deck, David surveyed 
it with a triumphant gleam in his eyes. It was fully 
eight feet long and the captain said it would weigh 
more than four hundred pounds. The glistening body 


HARPOONING A RIVER MONSTER 77 


was a toot and a half broad across the back and two 
feet wide along the greater part of its length. Silver 
scales the size of a dollar covered it and those on the 
lower half were margined with scarlet. The mouth 
was very large and wide open; the fish was dead. 

After examining it for some time David’s feeling of 
exultation gave way to pity for the beautiful creature. 
It was of such great size, so majestic, and seemed like 
a fitting denizen of the Amazon, representative of the 
mystery and the wonder of the mighty river. It seemed 
so out of place on the deck of the boat. 

^^That is a beauty,” he commented, ^‘but one is 
enough for a long time. I am not going to kill another 
unless it is needed very badly. What are we going 
to do with it?” 

After taking a number of photographs of the fish, 
David watched the sailors dress it. Then they cut it 
into slabs and sprinkled salt over the pieces, which 
they hung up to dry. 

‘Tt will keep months now,” Don Marco said. “We 
shall need most of it, and what is left can be sold 
further up the river.” 

They rowed and poled upstream a short distance 
above the mouth of the creek and anchored for the 
night. 


CHAPTER VII 


WHEN THE RIVER RAN RIOT 

There were a number of small settlements scattered 
along both banks of the river, but the trader did not 
stop at any one of them during the first days after 
leaving Manaos. He said they were too near the city, 
to which the people made frequent trips, so they natu¬ 
rally purchased their supplies during these visits, knew 
the market value of everything, and would not pay 
the prices he was compelled to charge. It was further 
upstream, where the inhabitants were more isolated 
and the distance too great for them to make frequent 
excursions to Manaos, that he expected to glean his 
harvest. 

The second day passed without incident. In one 
stretch, where the water was too deep for poling, the 
sailors got out long-handled hooks. They caught these 
in the overhanging branches and then walked along 
the board runways, but now they pulled as they walked 
instead of pushing, as they did when poling, and only 
half could engage in the work, as there was forest on 
only one side of them. Therefore, they were divided 
into two parties of six each, one resting while the other 
trudged along the wet, slippery boards. 

It seemed to David as if the branches overhead har- 

78 


WHEN THE RIVER RAN RIOT 79 

bored all the insects in the world. Each time the 
hooks were thrust into them a shower of ants, leaf 
hoppers and a multitude of other winged and crawling 
creatures fell into the boat. 

The men seemed not to mind the hordes of creeping 
things streaming down their arms and bare backs, 
beyond an occasional exclamation of annoyance or 
some jesting remark when one of their number was 
deluged with an exceptionally large number. But 
when on the third day the hooks stirred up a nest of 
the fierce maribundi wasps their tolerant attitude 
quickly changed, for the insects were quick to resent 
the interference with their domestic affairs. 

Several of the wasps darted out of the dense foliage, 
their red bodies gleaming like flying sparks. They 
made straight for the men and simultaneously there 
rose a chorus of wild screams mingled with the clatter 
and splash of poles that fell from hands now occupied 
in striking at the darting specks or in clutching madly 
at their bodies. 

David came to the door of the storeroom to see what 
had happened; he was amazed at the strange antics 
of the sailors, who were now making for the opening 
in which he was standing. He was not kept in suspense 
long. 

If a red-hot needle had been thrust into him the 
effect could not have been more painful. One of the 
wasps had discovered David and had plunged its fiery 
dagger into his arm. 

He dashed back into the storeroom with a cry of 
pain, and the men followed in quick succession. They 


80 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


slammed the door as soon as the last one had entered, 
and at last they were safe from the attackers. 

The batalao, left to its own devices, began to drift 
downstream, but none sought to stop it. The crew, 
packed tight between the boxes and bales, was too 
much occupied with a more vital matter, and some of 
the men who had been stung a number of times were 
screaming and moaning in agony, while from others 
came not a sound—they had lost consciousness. 

David had never suffered such intense pain in his 
life. His arm throbbed and burned and was rapidly 
swelling to huge proportions. At times he was on the 
point of fainting and grasped the nearest support to 
keep from falling to the floor. The stifling heat in 
the room added to the suffering of all. 

‘Dpen the door!^’ Don Marco shouted. He had 
come through the encounter unscathed. '^Get out into 
the fresh air,” he added; ^Ve have drifted past the 
nest; the danger is over.” 

Someone obeyed the first order mechanically and 
those who could walk went out upon the deck. They 
presented a sorry appearance. Some had been stung 
on the hands; others on the face or bare backs, the 
exact spots being marked by rising protuberances of 
an angry red color. 

In the meantime David was wondering what he 
could do in the matter of giving relief. He thought 
of iodine; that would help. Then he remembered the 
snake-bite lancet in his pocket—a hard rubber device 
that looked like a short fountain pen, with a sharp 
steel blade in one end and a pocket of permanganate 


WHEN THE RIVER RAN RIOT 81 

of potash crystals in the other. He would try that, 
on his own arm first. 

After opening the wound with a quick thrust of the 
keen blade he rubbed a quantity of the dry powder 
into it. Then he painted the whole area with iodine. 
Relief from the burning pain followed quickly; there 
remained only the dull throbbing. 

Encouraged, he began working on the sailors. They 
submitted to his ministrations and were grateful for 
the help he gave them. 

‘‘The maribundi wasps are terrible creatures,” Don 
Marco said that night. “I am more afraid of them 
than of anything else in the jungle; they are even 
worse than snakes, because there are more of them 
and it is impossible to escape from them when they 
are encountered. If a man is stung four or five times, 
he dies. And only one sting will often make a person 
sick for weeks.” 

They had anchored so soon as it was possible to 
muster enough hands to row the boat to the bank. 

“Are they very common along the river?” David 
asked anxiously. 

“Yes, here and on the Orinoco too; and not only 
along the water, either. One is liable to run into them 
in the forest and in the clearings alike. They are quick 
to attack the moment they are disturbed. You must 
give me some of your remedy, for it is the best I have 
ever found. But for your quick work some of the men 
would have died.” 

The journey was not continued until two days later; 
the men had recovered sufficiently by that time to 


82 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


resume their duties. They were obliged to use the 
hooks, as before, and could only trust to luck for the 
future. 

That day they stopped at several clearings and 
traded with the settlers. The places were interesting 
—like notches hewn into the heavy jungle, openings 
with ragged edges where the vegetation was advancing 
in solid formation to reclaim its own. There was 
abundant other evidence that the fight of man against 
the forest was incessant. Second-growth sprouts sprang 
up in the yuca fields in back of the huts and unless 
they were cut down promptly they soon formed dense 
thickets that smothered the cultivated plants. Besides 
the yucas, from which the farinha was made, there 
were clumps of bananas, plantains, sugar cane and 
tree melons; also small plantations of coffee trees. 
These were from ten to fifteen feet high, round and 
bushy, and covered with clusters of small red fruits. 
Each of the little spheres contained two coffee beans, 
their flat side resting face to face, and the whole sur¬ 
rounded by a thin, sweet pulp. There were tall bread¬ 
fruit trees near the huts, their broad leaves providing 
shade and the great cylindrical green fruits serving as 
an addition to the food supply. 

The Brazilian cherries interested David greatly. 
They were about the size of the ones he was accus¬ 
tomed to at home, and of the same bright red color, 
but had deep grooves in them from stem to tip, so 
that a cross section would have the outline of a star. 

Most of the people were squatters in the wilderness. 
They were Portuguese who had cleared their little 


WHEN THE RIVER RAN RIOT 


83 


patches of land and were subsisting on the bounty of 
the soil and the river. They worked little, except in 
fighting the forest, as all vegetation grew so luxuri¬ 
antly and yielded such abundant crops that little 
cultivation was needed to produce all the food they 
required. They were easy-going, good-natured, and 
spent most of their time in their hammocks, convers¬ 
ing and sipping tea or coffee. 

A few of the stations, however, were owned by resi¬ 
dents of Manaos, who visited them occasionally and 
maintained hired help permanently to cultivate the 
soil and care for a few cows, pigs and fowls. 

The dwellings were all of similar construction— 
flimsy structures with bamboo walls, earth floors and 
roofs of palm leaves. The tropical luxuriance of the 
foliage all around them, however, gave them a pic¬ 
turesque appearance so that they seemed to fit prop¬ 
erly into their surroundings. A more substantial type 
of house would have been impracticable and out of 
place in such a climate. 

^^Are there no large ranches along the riverDavid 
asked, after leaving one of the clearings. 

^Wes, there are a few, but they have been started 
very recently. Each time I come back this way I find 
a few new ones, but none of them is very large. We 
expect to reach one of them tomorrow; I just heard 
about it in Manaos.” 

‘What is it called?” 

“Las Palmas. The owner is one of your country¬ 
men. They say he has an enormous ranch in the 
Argentine and is going to make Las Palmas the best 


84 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


and largest in the Upper Amazon. But it will be hard 
work and I doubt if he will succeed.” 

‘^Do you know anything about the owner? What 
did they say about him in Manaos?” David asked 
eagerly. 

‘^Nothing much except what I told you.” 

‘That might be a good place for me to stop,” David 
suggested. 

“Tired of the river already?” Don Marco asked in 
surprise. 

“No! Just beginning to become interested.” 

“Then it must be that you do not like our company. 
I am sorry,” and the captain seemed offended. 

“No! Nothing of the kind,” David hastened to 
assure him. “You have been mighty good to me and 
I wish I could stay with you on the whole trip. But 
my time is limited and I want to see some of the ranch 
life. To tell the truth, that is the reason I came to 
Brazil.” 

“As you wish. But I shall be sorry to see you go.” 
There was a note of real regret in Don Marco^s voice. 
“It has been a pleasure to have you and I have enjoyed 
your company.” 

They reached the landing just before noon of the 
following day. 

“This must be the spot, but where is the ranch?” 
the Venezuelan asked, greatly puzzled, as he looked 
up the narrow trail leading from the high bank straight 
through the heavy forest. Aside from this path there 
was no evidence of life in the neighborhood. 


WHEN THE RIVER RAN RIOT 85 

'T know the river too well to be mistaken/' he con¬ 
tinued. ‘^This is the spot they described to me." 

But the tall, dark trees standing like sentinels over 
the narrow lane men’s hands had made at their foot 
were grim and silent, as if guarding some secret. 

'Tt may be back from the river a short distance," 
David suggested. 

must be. But a ranch should be on the water, 
or very near to it. That is the custom here. They 
have boats and launches at Las Palmas, but where 
are they? This is the landing. We shall see!" 

Then, calling to two of his men, Don Marco con¬ 
tinued: 

'^You, Pedro and Jose, walk down the trail and see 
how far it is to the house. Come back at once after 
you find it. Do not tell anyone your business or mine." 

The men departed, soon disappearing among the 
shadows cast by the tangled branches overhead. Some 
of the other sailors began to fish, while David got 
together his things preparatory to leaving. The cook 
prepared slices of the salted pirarucu for the departing 
guest, for David had found the flesh delicious and had 
said so on several occasions. It was just as well that 
the cook had taken for granted that the remarks re¬ 
ferred to his cooking, rather than to the natural quality 
of the fish, for he showed appreciation in various ways, 
the most acceptable of which was the frequent prepa¬ 
ration of those things David liked best to eat. 

Hour after hour passed, but the two men did not 
return. Some of the men waiting on the boat began 
to fear that they had lost their way or had met with 


86 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

a mishap. And David, remembering the many things 
he had heard about Las Palmas and the fate that 
would befall anyone attempting to enter the place, 
began to wonder if he were not to blame, for he had 
failed to warn them of their danger. It was now too 
late for regrets, for the men had been gone more than 
three hours. 

“Why don’t we go after them?” he finally asked the 
captain. “I will go. They may be lost.” 

“Impossible,” Don Marco returned. “Both are good 
woodsmen and know how to find their way.” 

“Could they have been attacked by Indians or some 
animal?” 

“It is possible, but I think not. They know how to 
fight.” 

“Then why don’t they return?” 

“Qmen sahe! We will wait a while longer and see 
what happens.” 

After another hour had gone by the two men re¬ 
turned, tired and mopping the perspiration from their 
faces. 

“Well?” their employer asked. 

''Caramhar one panted. “Such a place! Caramha!” 

“Yes,” the other added, “such a place.” 

“What is the matter with it?” impatiently. “You 
act like a pair of dunces.” 

“Miserable,” the first man said. “I never saw any¬ 
thing like it. First you have to walk your legs off 
to get there, and when you arrive you find it is for 
nothing.” 

“That is the truth,” from the second man, “and 


WHEN THE RIVER RAN RIOT 


87 


the trail is terrible. We had to cross streams on 
log bridges, wade through ponds filled with yacares, 
and splash through mud nearly up to our knees. 
Caramha!” 

“But what did you find out?’^ Don Marco asked 
impatiently. 

“After we had been walking several hours—long 
after leaving the forest—a man on horseback rode up 
to us and asked us what we wanted. There were 
houses and sheds not far ahead and he came from that 
direction. When we told him he began shooting at us 
and chased us away. 

“We came back faster than we went—much faster, 
or we should not be here yet. There were Indians in 
the woods, too, but we escaped them.” 

“But did you tell them you only wanted to find out 
how far-” 

“We tried to, but the barbarian gave us only a half 
minute’s start before he began to shoot. We could not 
talk and run at the same time.” 

“You two cowards,” said the captain in disgust. 
“We have lost a whole afternoon on your account.” 

“Anybody would have acted as we did.” 

“Perhaps the man was joking,” David ventured. He 
was far from being comfortable. 

“We could not read his mind. We know what he 
said and did, and that was not very funny,” they said 
hastily. 

“What kind of a place was it—I mean the houses?” 
David continued. ''Did it look like a real ranch?” 



88 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

‘Tt did not look like much—from a distance/’ one of 
the men replied. “But we did not get very near to it.” 

“I suppose I shall have to find out for myself then,” 
he said with a sigh. 

“Are you going to stop here anyway?” asked the 
captain in surprise. 

“Yes. You will have to leave me here.” 

“It will be a long walk—and no telling what will 
happen when you get there, according to the report of 
these two.” 

“Well, I will have to take a chance. I can follow the 
trail and go slowly. I am sure they will not try to 
chase me away.” 

David wanted to start right away, but the captain 
would not hear of it. It was too late in the day to 
undertake such a long tramp through the forest. And 
for one unfamiliar with the country the attempt to 
spend the night under such circumstances was ill- 
advised, to say the least, for the trail was indistinct 
and difiicult to follow even in the daytime. 

David reluctantly agreed to the force of these argu¬ 
ments, and as the boat was to remain there anyway 
for the night he decided that he would stay aboard. 

After supper they rowed a short distance into the 
stream and anchored. 

It was well that he did not ignore Don Marco’s 
advice not to attempt to spend the night alone in that, 
to him, unknown jungle, for the onrush of darkness 
had scarcely enveloped the earth when one of the ter¬ 
rific storms, as greatly feared as they are common on 
the Amazon, swooped out of the west and for two 


WHEN THE RIVER RAN RIOT 89 

hours held land and river helpless in its merciless 
grasp. 

The onslaught came suddenly. Before the first 
warning drops had awakened the sleepers, a wall of 
wind and falling water swept down the river and 
struck the batalao with such force that it nearly 
capsized. 

The men sprang from their hammocks and crowded 
into the storeroom, where they were held prisoner while 
the storm spent its fury. 

The downpour thundered steadily over their heads 
and here and there a small rivulet found its way 
through the roof. Below them, the waves hissed and 
boomed as they dashed against the sides of the dancing 
craft. And from the forest came an occasional roar, 
followed by a crash which told the fate of some great 
tree that had succumbed to the force of the gale. 

Although sweltering in the close atmosphere of their 
quarters the men were in no danger, for thanks to their 
preparedness the boat was far enough from the bank 
to prevent its grounding; and the anchor held fast. 

After a while the rain stopped, but the wind did not 
die down until daylight came. By this time the waves 
had attained a great height and the boat pitched and 
rocked so violently that those aboard began to be 
uncomfortable. All the while one other sound reached 
their ears above the shrieking of the wind and the 
pounding of the waves. It was a dull, muffled noise 
coming singly sometimes like the booming of a distant 
gun, and again in a rapid succession of roars, rumblings 
and crashes—^some nearby, others far distant. 


90 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


Daylight revealed the cause of the disturbance. The 
constant beating of the waves had undermined sec¬ 
tions of the river bank and long, narrow strips of it 
were falling into the water. It was a wonderful yet 
terrible sight to see the great masses of trees begin 
to shudder, then bow low and finally plunge headlong 
into the heaving, yellow fiood that had washed the 
foundation from under their roots. 

After this din the whole tangled mass disappeared, 
only to come to the surface in a few moments to be 
swept downstream, the branches waving above the 
angry water like so many struggling arms appealing 
frantically for assistance. 

Each landslide further agitated the water and added 
to the power of the waves. And as the men looked 
up and down the broad expanse of river it seemed as 
if the work of destruction must encompass all the land. 
But with the coming of the sun the wind slackened 
and the waves subsided, and the slides were less fre¬ 
quent and of smaller extent. Finally they stopped. 

Don Marco said they had witnessed a sight that was 
as unusual as it was awe-inspiring. Not until days 
later would the last of the debris disappear down the 
stream. 

David took his possessions and went ashore and 
shortly after he had entered the dripping forest the 
batalao resumed its way up the turbulent river. 


CHAPTER VIII 


THE ROAD TO LAS PALMAS 

That lonesome walk through the towering forest 
was an experience David would never forget. 

How tall the tree-trunks were and how thick and 
straight. It must have taken centuries to grow to that 
size. On some, the lowest branches did not start until 
fifty feet or more above the ground; they reached 
toward and intermingled with their neighbors, forming 
a sturdy framework for the canopy of leaves that shut 
out the sunlight except in scattered spots where a 
bright shaft penetrated the thick mat and cast a daz¬ 
zling, wavering blotch on the sombre forest floor. 

The steady drip of water came from overhead, and 
the ground underfoot was soft and spongy from the 
drenching of the previous night, so that there was not 
a sound as David walked rapidly up the narrow trail. 

Suddenly it came upon David that the silence was 
not only under his feet; it was all about him. While 
he had expected to find the jungle teeming with life, 
there was not a sign of life. Instead of the chorus of 
screams, roars and howls that should have greeted his 
ears there was only the breathless silence of a vast 
solitude, so intense that the beating of his own heart 
seemed to pound in his ears like the blows of a sledge¬ 
hammer. 


91 


92 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


The wilderness was full of life—^it must be—but 
where was it? David felt that inquisitive, eager, even 
menacing eyes were gazing at him from places of con¬ 
cealment in the dense vegetation; but he could not see 
their owners. This thought added to the uncanny 
feeling that was slowly taking possession of him. 

What if he should be charged by a jaguar? Or 
suppose a herd of ferocious peccaries should surround 
him? The trees were too thick to be climbed. There 
was no means of escape open to him. 

A twig snapped in back of him. He wheeled in¬ 
stantly, but saw nothing. Standing motionless, he 
waited a few minutes. Not a leaf stirred, but a faint, 
shuflOiing sound reached his ears, like the footfalls of 
some heavy creature stealing away. Without awaiting 
further developments he opened his pack and took out 
his revolver; he strapped the holster to his waist. That 
gave him a feeling of security and he continued the 
tramp through the gloomy forest. 

As time passed the pack on his back seemed to grow 
heavier and the perspiration ran down his face in 
rivulets. Also, the parcel was a serious impediment 
in crossing the numerous little streams spanned by a 
single log and that, frequently, of small size. 

Walking across the slippery foothold with the deep, 
murky water below was precarious in itself; the pack 
rendered it doubly so. He walked across the larger 
trunks and hitched over those of more slender propor¬ 
tions. 

David had just negotiated one of the latter and had 
stopped to readjust the weight of his burden. A faint 



93 


THE ROAD TO LAS PALMAS 

rustle made him turn suddenly and look down the 
trail. There, not a dozen paces from the stream he 
had just left, stood an Indian, a long bow in one hand, 
an arrow in the other. The brown skin of the savage, 
marked with stripes of black paint, blended well with 
the sombre tree-trunks and dark foliage. 

For a moment neither stirred but each gazed at the 
other, David in surprise and consternation, the Indian 
with an air of resentment at having been discovered. 
Then the latter advanced a step menacingly and raised 
the bow to the level of his shoulders. David^s hand 
flew to the holster on his belt and a shot, aimed high, 
rang out clear and sharp in the silent forest. The 
Indian gave a wild yell, sprang ip one side and dashed 
away. The thud of his feet and the swishing of the 
branches were ample proof ^at he had no intention 
of stopping in the near vicinity. 

‘T guess that fixed him for the present,” thought 
David; ^^but Ill have to hurry; he might come back 
with others and then it would not be so easy to scare 
away the whole pack.” 

A hundred yards up the trail he stopped, slipped the 
pack off his back, and hid it in a mass of ferns growing 
between the buttressed roots of a great tree. After 
that he could walk more rapidly. 

When another hour had passed he noticed that the 
forest was becoming more open in character. The trees 
were further apart and the sunlight found its way to 
the ground in numerous splashes and pools of bright 
light. About the same time he heard the caU of a bird 
■—the first sign of animal life on all that long, solitary 


94 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


tramp. It was fortunate that he saw the author of 
the sound, for it was a shrill, quavering note that was 
unearthly and weird in the extreme. 

The bird was of the shape and size of a guinea hen, 
but of a rich brown color. It ran out into the trail 
just ahead of him and stood looking at the man with 
bright, black eyes until he was nearly upon it, when 
it flew away with a loud whirr of wings. It was a poor 
flyer, however, for although it hurtled through the air 
at great speed, its course was erratic; it darted one 
way, then another, until it dashed against a tree-trunk 
and fell to the ground, where it lay fluttering. David 
started toward it, but before he had covered half the 
distance separating him from the now quiet creature 
a lithe form sprang out of the cover on one side of the 
path, picked up the bird in its mouth and darted out 
of view again. 

The marauder was of the cat family and spotted like 
a leopard, though not so large. Its sudden appearance 
gave David a start, for it proved that there was life 
in the silent forest in spite of the hush that prevailed. 
Unseen eyes and keen ears were about him; it required 
only the proper combination of circumstances to bring 
the creatures from their hiding-places. This thought 
was far from comforting and the lone wanderer re¬ 
doubled his vigilance in an effort to forestall a surprise 
attack on himself. 

At last the forest gave way to a scrubby growth, and 
this was soon replaced by open country; that is, it 
seemed open in comparison to the jungle through 
y/hich David had just passed. 


THE ROAD TO LAS PALMAS 


95 


There were low bushes in scattered groups; between 
them lay grassy areas of considerable extent. Clumps 
of trees stood like dark islands in the sea of lighter 
green; and here and there was the glint of water— 
lagoons fringed by reedy marshes. 

The picture was that of a perfect wilderness, but 
it was an enticing one. It bore the stamp of primeval 
nature and seemed pregnant with the promise of rich 
rewards for the one who cared to go in quest of them. 

^^The ranch cannot be much farther,David 
thought. ‘Tt would have to be out in the open, of 
course.’’ And he scanned the country in all directions 
for some signs of the buildings or their occupants. 

But the wilderness stretched on unendingly on all 
sides^ with only the narrow thread of a trail to give 
evidence of the fact that the country was not unknown 
to man. 

There were other foot-paths, too, but they had been 
made by animals—deer, peccaries and tapirs, and occa¬ 
sionally there was the deep, broad imprint of a jaguar’s 
foot, or the smaller, uncertain track of an ocelot. 

Birds of many kinds dotted the sky and were spread 
out over the landscape. Parrots and great macaws 
sped by overhead; herons and egrets covered the trees 
as with a snowy mantle; and rafts of ducks floated 
on the quiet water, while smaller birds dabbled among 
the grass and reeds lining the lagoons. Of the latter, 
one kind in particular attracted David’s attention. 
They had long legs and long necks and could have been 
mistaken for snipe but for the fact that they seemed 
to run and skip over the surface of the water with the 


96 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


ease of covering firm ground. But when David drew 
nearer he saw that the birds had wide-spreading toes 
which enabled them to use the mats of small, floating 
plants as a footing. They were reluctant to fly, but 
when they did they fluttered like grasshoppers, expos¬ 
ing a greenish patch of color in each wing, and uttered 
queer, cackling, scolding notes. 

Some of the smaller ponds or sloughs had begun to 
dry. The water that remained was muddy and teemed 
with fish that had been left stranded far inland by 
the flood of the last rainy season. The imprisoned 
creatures were struggling frantically in the slimy 
liquid, dashing back and forth in futile efforts to find 
an outlet into some larger and friendlier basin. In 
their frenzy they attacked one another and numbers 
threw themselves out upon the land, where they gasped 
their last. Apparently this state of affairs had been 
going on for some time, for the ground was littered 
with heaps of the remains in the form of white bones 
that had been crushed by opossums and other noc¬ 
turnal prowlers. 

The depressing sight and the stench made David 
avoid these places by wide detours whenever possible. 

It seemed as if the trail ran on interminably, wind¬ 
ing between the lagoons and forest islands, traversing 
the highest, dryest places of the open country, but 
always leading on and on. If the ranch were in the 
neighborhood, there should be some indications of it. 
But so far neither horses nor cattle, smoke nor houses 
could be seen. 

David was beginning to wonder if he might not have 


THE ROAD TO LAS PALMAS 97 

taken some branch of the original trail that was simply 
taking him deeper and deeper into the wilderness. He 
stopped for a moment to consider what best had be 
done. As he scanned the country his eyes caught 
sight of moving objects in the distance and a first 
glimpse convinced him that they were horsemen. He 
could have shouted for joy, for now it was but a matter 
of minutes until they should see him and then they 
would soon take him to the ranch. It never occurred 
to him that the riders might not want to see him or 
that they would refuse to help him if they could not 
avoid him, and that, too, in spite of the things he had 
been told he was to expect from the owner of Las 
Palmas. Just beyond, the ground was more open; 
he decided to go there and wave his hat to attract the 
attention of the men. 

As he started through the thick grass a warning 
bellow from directly in front stopped him in his tracks; 
he looked in the direction from which the sound had 
come, but could see nothing. A moment later a second 
bellow, more like a roar, reached his ears and at the 
same time he caught sight of a long, waving object 
like the head and neck of a great snake. Before he 
had time for action of any kind a huge, grayish body 
leaped out of the grass and charged. It was a rhea 
or South America ostrich. Onward it came with 
lowered head, hissing as it sped over the ground, the 
short wings drooping and feathers ruffled in a terrify¬ 
ing manner. It was upon David in a few seconds. 
The attack had been so sudden that he had not had 
time to grasp his revolver; as the great bird lunged 


98 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

at him he stepped aside and caught the outstretched 
neck in his hands. That action, unexpected as it was 
new to the bird, bewildered it and it stopped. How¬ 
ever, the surprise of the reception lasted but a moment. 

David clung desperately to the creature^s neck. Back 
and forth they struggled, the bird striking with its 
huge feet, beating with its wings and bellowing in its 
frantic efforts to break the man’s hold. 

The outcome of the struggle depended upon endur¬ 
ance. Sooner or later one of the two must give out, 
and for a time it was impossible to guess which would 
be that one. The bird was first to show signs of suc¬ 
cumbing to the strain. Its struggles grew weaker and 
finally they ceased altogether, much to David’s relief, 
for he too was on the verge of exhaustion. 

When the rhea was quiet he relaxed his grasp. In¬ 
stantly it again became charged with life. It gave a 
powerful wrench and the thick neck slipped from his 
aching fingers. But instead of renewing the attack, 
the bird seemed to have but one thought, but one 
desire, and that was to leave the locality as quickly 
as possible. It turned and fled in a series of long 
strides, its head held high, wings stretched out like 
sails, and feet that moved so rapidly, the eye could 
not follow them in their prodigious leaps. 

The supposed horsemen had come nearer all the 
while and David now saw that they were a flock of the 
ostriches, which his attacker joined, when the 
entire company turned and soon disappeared in the 
distance. 

David went to the spot where he had first sighted 


THE ROAD TO LAS PALMAS 99 

the bird. To his delight he found a mound of huge 
eggs. They were of an oval shape, creamy white color, 
glossy, and so large he could not span one with his 
fingers. There were twenty of them, neatly arranged 
in a slight hollow scooped in the ground. He could 
not take them with him, of course, on account of their 
great weight and size, but thinking that he might have 
need of them at some time in the near future he tore a 
strip of cloth from his trousers—^rent by the bird’s 
sharp claws during the struggle—and tied it to the 
highest reed near the nest, to serve as a marker for 
the spot. 

Another half hour’s walk under the broiling sun and 
the end of the trail was in sight. There it was at last, 
but it looked nothing like the ranch-house David had 
pictured. Instead of the long, low, rambling building 
he had expected to find, with its corrals, and groups 
of saddled horses standing dejectedly under the shade 
trees, there was a ramshackle structure built of bamboo 
poles and covered with a thatched roof. A dozen or 
so smaller huts were scattered about the immediate 
vicinity. Here and there grew a cluster of tall, grace¬ 
ful palm trees; that was why the place was called Las 
Palmas. 

The surrounding country did not appear very invit¬ 
ing. It looked forsaken and, under the hot sun, almost 
desolate. 

David drew a deep breath and kept on his way. 
Perhaps the new life he had chosen was not going to 
be so interesting as he had imagined; but he would 
keep on just the same. This was no time for regrets. 


100 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

He must stick by his determination to see the thing 
through. 

As he approached the largest house a lone dog 
darted out from some place of concealment, growling 
and bristling; he called to it in a friendly manner, 
but it bared its teeth and slunk away. A man, obvi¬ 
ously a native, came to the doorway of the nearest 
hut and stared at the stranger in open astonishment. 
David started toward him; the man gave him a mali¬ 
cious look and faded from view in the darkened interior 
of the hut. 

‘‘Not a very inviting atmosphere around the place,” 
thought David. “But 1^11 walk right into the big house 
as if I owned it and see what happens.” 

On the threshold he stopped, however, and knocked. 
There was no response from within, but, hearing the 
sound of voices in back of him, he turned quickly to 
see who was responsible for it. A small group of na¬ 
tives stood in the doorway of each hovel, or in front 
of it, eyeing him in a curious manner. 

“Enter!” one of them called to him. “The patron 
is inside.” 

David heeded this advice and walked in. He found 
himself in a long, low room with a hard-packed earth 
floor. A number of benches lined the walls and at 
one end were a wooden table and a chair. A man of 
burly appearance sat on the chair; his back was turned 
toward the doorway so that David could not see his 
face, but the neck was dark brown—David did not 
know whether the color was that of a native or caused 
by the hot mn. His clothes—a tan silk shirt and 


THE ROAD TO LAS PALMAS 101 

khaki-colored riding breeches, with tall boots and huge 
spurs—were neat and not unattractive. 

The youth saw that much during the minute he 
waited respectfully just inside the room. Then, as 
the man paid no attention to him, he took a few steps 
forward. 

^‘DidnT I tell you to keep out of here?’’ The man’s 
voice sounded like a roar, but still he did not look up 
from the papers before him. ‘‘Wait just a minute— 
then I’ll kick you out, so you will remember it the 
next time.” 

The man stood up and turned quickly. 

“Well, for the—” he exploded and stopped short in 
apparent surprise. His face was tanned also and 
smooth, and his eyes were blue. But for the fierce 
scowl he wore he would have been a most amiable- 
looking sort of a person. 

“Who are you? Where did you come from? How 
did you get here? What do you want?” 

The questions were hurled in such rapid succession 
that David was bewildered. 

“I am Jones,” he said, after an instant’s hesitation, 

and he tried to smile. 

“Jones? Jones who?” 

“David Jones. You are expecting me.” 

“Boy, you must be crazy. I am not expecting any¬ 
body”—with a sneer—“and furthermore, if I find out 
who brought you here I’ll break his neck.” 

“You don’t understand—” David began, but the 
other interrupted him. 



102 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

''DonT you tell me I don't know my own business/' 
he snapped. 

^‘Pardon me, I did not intend to be rude. But I 
understood that my father and you were old friends 
and that he had made arrangements for my coming 
here. He sent several cables-" 

‘Dh, that's it, is it? Just because he happened to 
know me he thinks he can send his lazy, shiftless son 
to me to look after. What does he think this is, a 
kindergarten? What I want is men, real men—not 
babies. What do you know, what can you do? 
Nothing." 

David's first feeling of consternation was giving way; 
also, he felt decidedly less important than he had when 
telling of his plans just before sailing, and on the 
steamer. What did he know after all? What had he 
ever accomplished? Now that he was actually face 
to face with the rugged type of man he had held up 
as his ideal, he felt very small indeed. 

‘Wou are right," he said meekly. ‘T don't amount 
to much. I knew it, and that is why I wanted to get 
away to a place where I had to depend on myself and 
would have the chance to make good under trying 
conditions." 

'Wou picked out the poorest place in the world. 
Don't lie to me; you thought you could come here as 
Mr. David Jones, son of the big New York business 
man, and that I would let you hang around as an orna¬ 
ment, wear fancy cow-boy clothes, so you could send 
pictures to your friends at home to admire; and that 



THE ROAD TO LAS PALMAS 103 

I would pay you a big salary for the honor of having 
you here. Well, you guessed wrong.’^ 

didn’t think of any of those things. I don’t want 
a cent until I honestly earn it. All I expect is a chance 
to do the things I have always wanted to do. My 
father did not send me awa> to get rid of me; I had a 
hard time to get him to let me come here.” 

The ranchman seemed to relent a little and, encour¬ 
aged, David told him all, including his difficulties at 
Manaos and how he had finally succeeded in reaching 
the ranch on the trader’s boat. 

^^You did have tough luck all around,” Rice com¬ 
mented, ^ffiut if I let you stay, it would only grow 
worse. Everything here has to be done by men who 
know their work; we haven’t time to be teachers. So 
you can rest up a bit; then I’ll send you back down 
the river. And that settles it.” 

A loud knock sounded on the door-frame. 

‘‘Come in,” Rice called, and into the room stepped 
a tall, lean man, dressed in a blue cotton shirt and 
fringed, leather breeches. He had a cruel, swarthy 
face and small, restless eyes. 

“Now what?” his employer asked. 

“The launch is back from the Iguari; there has been 
more trouble with the Indians.” He cast a meaning 
look at David. 

“I’ll go outside,” David quickly said. 

“No!” Rice bellowed. “You will stay right here 
until I tell you to go.” 

David stopped and quickly turned to face the two. 


CHAPTER IX 


THE BEAST 

‘^Now, what^s the trouble?^’ Rice demanded in an 
angry voice. 

‘Tt’s the Indians, mostly,'' the foreman replied, 
shifting his feet uneasily. ‘^They fight us every step 
of the way, when we get a few miles from the camp." 

‘Why don't you fight back—^kill them all. That’s 
the only way to handle the savages.” 

“We do, but there are so many of them that there 
are always others to take the places of the ones we 
kill. They seem to spring up like weeds, right out of 
the ground." 

“Well? Go on! What else?" 

“The snakes are worse than ever this year." 

“So you are afraid of snakes, too!" Rice said with a 
sneer. “You are a fine person to be entrusted with the 
management of the rubber camp. If you can't do 
better than that. I'll kick you out and put one of the 
half-breeds in your place. At least, they are not 
cowards." 

“I'm not afraid of the snakes myself, but when one 
or more of the men are bitten and die each day, it is 
not long before they all get scared and want to quit. 
And besides, every one we lose leaves one man less 
to collect rubber." 


104 


THE BEAST 105 

‘Ts it really as bad as that?’^ Apparently Rice had 
underestimated the seriousness of the situation. 

‘^Oh, worse. It was bad enough in ordinary times, 
but this year the drought is driving all the snakes to 
the river. They like the huts of the men to use as 
hiding places, and are always dropping down out of 
the thatched roofs or crawling over the floor at night; 
they even get into the hammocks. I have never seen 
anything like it. Mariano found a twenty-foot ana¬ 
conda in his hammock the night before we left; that’s 
why no one has seen Mariano since—he left camp in 
such a hurry he did not even take his clothes.” 

^^Snakes or no snakes, the rubber crop must be gath¬ 
ered.” Rice seemed to have made up his mind and 
spoke with an air of finality. ^‘Soon the rains will 
be here and then the season will be over. You must 
get more men and try it again; we must have the 
rubber even if you lose every single man in the end.” 

^We can fight against the Indians and the snakes,” 
the foreman ventured, timidly, ^^but there is one thing 
we can’t overcome and that is the fever. There 
never was so much of it as this year—on account of 
the drought, they say. Most of the men who escaped 
the other two plagues are too sick to work.” 

‘^Don’t tell me any more!” Rice thundered. ^T’ve 
got troubles of my own. It’s up to you to harvest 
that rubber, so go do it. You are the foreman. Do 
anything you want to. Take every soul on the place; 
it don’t matter if none gets back alive, just so you 
bring back the rubber. Now, get out and do some¬ 
thing.” 


106 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

The foreman did not wait to hear more. He quickly 
made for the door and disappeared. David was alone 
again with the viper. 

He was speechless with amazement at the things he 
had just heard. Had he been given his choice now, it 
is but natural that the first impulse would have been 
to start for home as soon as possible. But he was not 
asked to make known his desires. 

^TVe changed my mind about you,’’ Rice bellowed. 
^^You will stay. You’ll make one more hand to get 
that rubber crop in before the rains start—even if 
you’re nothing but a boy. Can you swim?” 

^Tes,” David answered meekly. 

“Can you ride a horse?” 

“Yes.” 

“Can you throw a rope?” 

“No. I never tried, but I can learn.” 

“You are a fine one to come to a ranch—expecting 
to run it. I ought to chase you out, and I would if 
I didn’t need you so badly. The rubber camp will 
soon bring out the kind of stuff you’re made of. But 
just remember this; we won’t tolerate any smart ideas 
or new notions. You don’t know anything and you’ll 
do exactly as you are told. You are not Mr. Jones’ 
son so long as you stay around here. Your ofi&cial 
name is Nobody, and that’s what I’ll call you. You 
are right down on the bottom and you’ll stick there, 
too, if I am any judge of character. Now go, and tell 
Carlos where you hid your pack, so he can send for it. 
He’ll fix you up with what you need, and remember, 
he’s your boss. Do whatever he says and if he thinks 


THE BEAST 


107 


you worth the trouble, hell take you up-river. Get 
out just as fast as you can and don’t bother me again.” 

David was too bewildered to resent anything that 
had been said to him. It had all come like a thunder¬ 
bolt, suddenly, unexpected and terrible. He merely 
stammered “Yes, Sir,” and hastily departed. Outside 
the door he drew a deep breath of relief. What a 
frightful character Rice was! He had not the slight¬ 
est regard for life. No wonder they called him the 
viper, but David could not think of any creature that 
was so repulsive to him as this man, unless possibly it 
was a hyena. 

How could his father have sent him to such a place? 
Then the truth occurred to him. He had not been 
sent. He had insisted on having his way. If he had 
known the truth; if only he had listened to the advice 

of others who knew the world better than he, and-. 

But, no! He dared not think such thoughts. He had 
gone this far and there must be no quitting. He would 
see the thing through. Somehow, some way, matters 
would straighten themselves out and if they didn’t he 
would force them to. 

Seeing the foreman near one of the larger huts, 
David went toward him unaware that the eyes of the 
beast were following his every movement. The look 
of cruelty had gone from the eyes and a smile was on 
his face—a smile partly of amusement and partly of 
pity, as he looked at the forlorn figure approaching the 
burly Don Carlos. 

“Hm!” he chuckled. “He’s showing the right stuff, 
so far. Getting here the way he did wasn’t easy. I 




108 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

didnT think he could do it. I canT help but admire 
him and if he don’t make good, I’ll be disappointed.^’ 

“Mr. Rice sent me to you,” David addressed the fore¬ 
man. “I guess I am to go with your outfit.” 

“What, you?” sarcastically. “You wouldn’t be good 
for anything except to cook for the mozos or some such 
work.” 

“All right. You are the boss.” 

Evidently the foreman was not prepared for such a 
reply and for a moment he was at a loss as to what to 
say. 

“Very well,” he said finally. “If that is the way 
you feel about it, I guess we can use you. But I warn 
you in advance that you’ll have a hard time of it. 
You’ll be the only white man; the others are Indians 
and Mozos. They have to work hard and put up with 
anything, and so will you.” 

“I am not asking any favors. I’ll do the best I can.” 

“Come along then. I’ll show you where you’ll live 
while we are here. Where is your pack?” the fore¬ 
man asked. 

David told him where he had hidden it. 

“I’ll send for it. There’s a short cut you don’t know 
so it’ll be easier for one of the men to get it.” 

They entered one of the shacks, the interior of which 
was larger than the outside indicated. Stout poles 
set into the ground and covered with a veneer of grass 
formed the walls; the roof was made of palm leaves. 
The floor was hard-packed earth. A number of ham¬ 
mocks had been swung between the poles and small, 
wooden chests and bags of various kinds lined the 


THE BEAST 


109 


walls. Light was admitted through one window open¬ 
ing and the doorway. The place was gloomy and 
stuffy and David recoiled at sight of his quarters, but 
said nothing. 

*Tut up your hammock in the best place you can 
find,” the foreman said. ‘Tf you have none draw one 
from the supply house. You’ll have to sign a receipt 
for it, and for anything else you get and it will be 
charged to your account. That’s the way things are 
issued here.” 

By nightfall the newcomer had been installed in his 
new quarters. His pack had arrived and he had drawn 
a number of things he needed from the supply house. 
There had also been the first meal at the ranch mess 
shack—chunks of beef roasted on sticks before a wood 
fire, boiled beans with farinha and coffee. It was the 
first food David had had since early morning, and it 
seemed wonderful to him. 

After supper the men gathered in their huts and 
played guitars, sang songs and smoked. They did not 
enter their hammocks until a late hour and even then 
they conversed in loud voices for some hours longer. 

It was uncomfortably warm under the mosquito 
netting, but the humming of the insects just outside 
the cloth dissuaded David from removing it. Better 
suffer the heat than permit the mosquitoes to feast on 
him and perhaps inoculate him with the germs of the 
dread malarial fever of which he had heard and read 
so much. 

The night came to an end somehow and again David 
was forcibly reminded of his surroundings by the 


110 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


babble of voices around him for an hour before their 
owners slid from their hammocks. 

That day was a busy one. He spent the first part 
of it getting acquainted as best he could with the men 
about him who would be his constant companions. 
They were a ragged, unkempt crowd of all shades from 
yellow, through brown, to black and at first they 
regarded him with suspicion. But after he had assured 
them that he was to be one of them and later dis¬ 
tributed a generous supply of tobacco, they regarded 
him in a more favorable light and one or two called 
him camarada which word they used in addressing one 
another. 

However, they seemed unable to comprehend why a 
white man should be relegated to their lowly, unhappy 
station. That situation was new to them and time 
alone would accustom them to it. 

One of the group, Miguel by name, however, did 
not hesitate to show open resentment toward what he 
considered an intrusion by a stranger who was not of 
their kind. He was of heavier build than the others, 
apparently with Indian blood in his veins and occupied 
the place of leader of the party. When they sang he 
announced the songs; he led the conversation and 
talked in the loudest voice; and when they worked, 
he selected the easiest tasks for himself. 

In David he saw a possible rival; but he had met 
similar situations before and he knew of various ways 
of handling them. 

David, after asking permission of the foreman, drew 
more things from the keeper of supplies. Among them 


THE BEAST 


111 


was a rope, for he must become proficient in its use in 
roping cattle upon his return from the rubber camp. 
His object was, of course, to learn thoroughly the 
ranching business; all other things were but a means 
toward that end. 

Asking questions judiciously, David learned many 
things. The men told him that there were cattle on 
the place—many of them, but at the present time they 
were far away roaming the grasslands and attended 
only by a few rangers who would head the roving bands 
back to the ranch with the coming of the rainy season 
when grass would be abundant in the country nearby. 
And that he had reached the place by an old, seldom 
used trail; the new one was only a score of yards long. 
The launches came up a small creek that flowed almost 
past the doors of the ranch houses. They all agreed 
that the rubber camp was an extremely unattractive 
place and about Rice, owner of the place, they refused 
to talk. 

Preparations for the departure were being made in 
a leisurely manner. True, there was need of haste, 
for the dry season would not last forever. Doing 
things slowly was, however, typical of the country. 
The men simply could not be hurried beyond a given 
point. Probably the climate was to blame for the 
fact that the people did not possess the energy and 
initiative of those of a more northern latitude. 

There were bales of charque or dried, salt beef that 
looked like bundles of leather scraps; bags of beans, 
coffee and brown sugar; and many bags of farinha. 



112 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


In the course of his inspection of the settlement, David 
had the opportunity to see how the latter was made. 

One whole hut was given over to the manufacture 
of the coarse meal, and women exclusively were 
engaged in the work. Yucas, which were tubers like 
very large potatoes, were being brought from the plan¬ 
tation some distance away. The women carried the 
heavy burdens on their heads, balancing them without 
using their hands to steady them. Others took them, 
pared and grated them; for the latter process they had 
a board on which small, sharp stones had been glued. 
The juice was then extracted by filling long, tubular 
baskets with the mash and suspending them from the 
ceiling; a heavy stone was tied to the bottom of the 
filled baskets. The weight pulled the baskets down¬ 
ward, contracting them and thus expressing the juice 
from the pulp. This liquid was caught in wooden 
containers and allowed to ferment after which it was 
used as a beverage. 

After the greater part of the moisture Had been 
removed the contents of the baskets were emptied into 
a vat; they were taken from this as needed and placed 
into shallow pans over low fires. The women stirred 
the steaming masses constantly with long-handled pad¬ 
dles until they had thoroughly dried, when the par¬ 
ticles separated into a coarse meal. That was the 
finished product—called farinha. 

The next day they began loading the launch. David 
joined the line of mozos and carried his share of the 
bales and bags. Most of them were very heavy, so it 
was hard work and the perspiration ran in streams 


THE BEAST 113 

I 

down his bare back. But he stuck to the task without 
complaint or comment. 

On his return from one of the trips to the launch 
David found Rice standing near the passing file of 
men, surveying them with an appraising eye. 

‘'Good morning,” he said, halting. 

“What?” The voice that replied was filled with 
sudden anger. “Whining already? Want to go 
home? I expected it!” 

“Why,” David started in surprise. “I only said good 
morning.” 

“DonT good morning me. And don’t say anything 
else, either. You are not to talk to me unless I speak 
first—no peon is allowed to.” 

“Very well.” 

“The foreman is your boss; you are nobody—^with a 
little n. When I have anything to say to you I’ll let 
you know pretty quick; and you keep your mouth 
shut. Now move on.” 

David moved on without further urging. He felt 
as if somebody had given him a sound thrashing, but 
after all, what could he expect from the beast? He 
had agreed to start at the bottom although he had not 
known how low that bottom might be but he expected 
no favors—wanted none. He would show them that 
he could stand on his own feet without their help and 
even in spite of anything they might do; time alone 
would tell the story. 

When night came he was so tired that he sought his 
hammock right after supper. Neither the loud voices 
of the mozos nor the uncomfortable position he was 


114 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


forced to assume on account of the short stretch of the 
ropes kept him awake. For the first time in several 
nights he slept soundly, and it seemed but a moment 
when someone called them all to tumble out in a hurry 
to prepare for the journey up the river. 


CHAPTER X 


THE ASCENT OF THE UPPER AMAZON 

Day was just breaking when the launch nosed her 
way out into the little stream. Overhead, the leaf- 
covered branches of the trees that lined the water¬ 
course met to form a delicate tracery of black against 
the graying sky. 

Birds raised their voices, clear and cheery in the 
checkered canopy and others responded in drowsy, 
listless whispers from the dark walls on either side. 

Where the creek was narrowest or where the foliage 
was so dense as completely to obscure the sky, the 
water seemed to melt away into deep pools of black¬ 
ness ; but the launch glided on and on without plunging 
abruptly into some unseen abyss, although the muffled 
throb of the engine always seemed fainter in the 
heavier gloom as if in deference to the all-pervading 
spirit of darkness. 

Once there was a sudden crashing in the heavy 
undergrowth followed by the splash of a heavy body 
in the water; then silence for a short interval. Now 
the sequence was reversed. There was first a splashing 
in the water and then the crashing of brush—on the 
opposite side of the stream. A tapir, alarmed by the 
boat, had sought refuge in the water only to discover 

115 


116 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


that the cause of its terror was directly in its path. 
Therefore it had dived and swum swiftly beneath the 
surface and then, emerging, lost no time in regaining 
the land. 

When the light grew somewhat stronger gaunt forms 
appeared between the water and the fretwork over¬ 
head. They always sprang out of the deepest shadows 
and melted into the distance as silent as spectres and 
as devoid of clews as to their identity. But finally, 
when one of them emitted a hoarse croak of fright as 
the launch rounded a bend and brushed the vegetation 
in which the creature had been concealed, David knew 
that it was a heron. 

The occasional chorus of squawks that came from 
high above belonged to fiocks of macaws on their way 
to some fruiting tree for an early breakfast. 

By the time the sun rose the launch had entered 
the main river where the craft hugged the shore in 
order to avoid the strong current further out. There 
now being less danger of collisions they moved at a 
faster rate of speed. David could not but feel how 
different this mode of travel was from the slow, pain¬ 
ful progress made by the batalao when he came up 
this same river to the ranch. 

The Solimoes was broad, majestic and awe-inspiring. 
Frequently they were caught in swift eddies near the 
bank, where the launch had to fight for each inch of the 
way; and occasionally they had to make detours far 
out into the river to avoid treacherous sand bars cov¬ 
ered with only a few inches of water. The latter were 


THE ASCENT OF UPPER AMAZON 117 

in great contrast to other parts of the river where the 
depth was immense. 

One such place was pointed out by the men. The 
spot was marked by a keg buoy; one of the steamers 
plying on the Upper Amazon had gone down there 
shortly before with nearly all hands. The boat had 
been located on the bottom, two hundred and ninety 
feet down. Divers could not descend to that great 
depth and even if they could they would not on 
account of the aquatic monsters that lurked far 
beneath the surface. 

At Palomas, a small station maintained from the 
ranch, they stopped to replenish their supply of gaso¬ 
line. Carrying the cases to the launch and storing 
them took several hours and as it was late in the after¬ 
noon when the work was finished it was decided to 
remain at anchor until the next morning. 

David worked with the others, carrying the heavy 
tins on his shoulder until it seemed the sharp corners 
had cut furrows in the flesh; and, while some of the 
others did a good deal of complaining, he said nothing. 

After the task had been completed he stripped for 
a swim—the first in days. One of the men observed 
his action and hastened to caution him against enter¬ 
ing the river on account of the great numbers of croco¬ 
diles and cannibal fishes that congregated at this par¬ 
ticular spot and would make short work of anyone 
foolhardy enough to enter the water. However, there 
was a place farther up where one could swim in 
safety. 

Several others now came to join them and together 


118 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

they went to a little bay where a stockade of stout 
poles had been driven into the bottom forming an 
enclosure that barred the entrance of the savage crea¬ 
tures inhabiting the river. 

So far, the peons, while not discourteous, had per¬ 
sisted in their aloofness toward David, and he could 
not but feel that as yet they had not accepted him as 
one of their number. He wanted to overcome that 
feeling on their part; he was compelled to share their 
labors and it was but natural that he wanted to share 
their confidences also. The tobacco he had given them 
in the hut at the ranch, and on several occasions after 
that, had helped break down the barrier between them. 
But for the greater part, they had accepted it merely 
as a present from someone financially able and by 
nature generous enough to give it. Anyone in like cir¬ 
cumstances could do that. It would require some feat 
of physical prowess and courage to establish the 
stranger deeply in their estimation. Not until he had 
demonstrated such traits to their entire satisfaiction 
would the gulf between them be closed. 

After ascertaining the depth of the water, David 
began to dive off the high bank, from numerous posi¬ 
tions, and before he realized it, the men had stopped 
swimming and had formed a semi-circle to watch. 
Then came exclamations of surprise and approbation 
as he plunged, again and again, into the water. 

“Bravo,’’ they shouted as he reappeared after each 
splash. 

“It’s nothing,” David answered with a happy smile. 
“Come along and I’ll show you how to do it.” 


THE ASCENT OF UPPER AMAZON 119 

But the men did not follow him; the bank was too 
high, they said. Therefore, Jones showed them vari¬ 
ous strokes in swimming and in this they all joined, 
vieing with one another in attempts to master the 
lesson and thereby win the muito bom of approval 
from the master. 

When they returned to the launch the men who had 
been to swim told the others what had occurred and 
were loud in their praise of their new companion. 

Everyone listened interestedly except Miguel, their 
self-appointed leader. 

“Who couldnT swim inside the stockade?’^ he asked 
derisively. 

“It wasnT that. We all swam, but it was the ways 
he did it. And you should have seen him dive from 
the top of the bank, and you know how high that is.” 

“All it takes to do that is practice,” Miguel said, with 
an air of pouring out wisdom to the ignorant. “Some 
day we will see if this Nobody is so wonderful in the 
water. I will go into the river—” he paused so that 
they might appreciate the full weight of his words, 
“into the river, I said, where there is no stockade, or 
into a lagoon full of piranhas and crocodiles. See if 
he will follow me.” 

At first David said nothing. But the men were 
looking at him expectantly and a few were showing 
disappointment in their faces. 

“All right,” he answered slowly. “Let me know 
when you are ready. I am not trying to show off but 
I can certainly do anything you can.” 

The men now looked at Miguel. He moved uneasily. 


120 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


His bluff had been called, much to his dismay. But 
he held his ground. 

‘T will let you know/’ he said, ^^and everybody else, 
too, so they can see just how brave you are and what a 
good swimmer you are. You said you would follow 
me; I have witnesses.” 

''Yes. I said that. I expect you to make good—I 
have witnesses, too.” 

Just then the cook called the men for the evening 
meal, so taking their bowls and spoons they went to 
the launch for their dole of rice and beef. 

In the days that followed, David gave demonstra¬ 
tions and lessons in swimming and diving so often as 
the opportunity presented itself; and, under his 
instruction a number of the party soon became adepts 
at performing the feats they had admired so greatly. 
In return, they showed him how to handle the lasso 
and he lost no chance to practice with it, using stumps 
and snags for targets and sometimes one of the men 
who would run past, inviting the entangling coils of 
the rope. 

Miguel made no further mention of his challenge 
and David was careful not to remind him of it. It 
was not until several weeks later that the matter again 
came up, with consequences as unexpected as they 
were startling. 

For the present David was fully occupied with the 
venture in hand. There were a hundred things he 
wanted to learn and the questions he asked were many. 
The men, however, were reluctant to talk on most 
subjects and he finally came to the conclusion that 


THE ASCENT OF UPPER AMAZON 121 


their reticence was the result either of ignorance or of 
orders from higher up. 

They were glad enough to help him with his study 
of their language—so far as they themselves knew it; 
to tell him about the river or the animals; and of the 
methods employed in collecting and preparing the rub¬ 
ber latex. But when he asked about Rice, the ranch, 
or kindred things they remained ominously silent. 

After a while David did not mention these subjects 
again. It was too evident that the men did not want 
to discuss them. 

A week later they entered a river that joined the 
Solimoes from the west. It was a small stream com¬ 
pared with the one into which it emptied—not over a 
few hundred yards in width. At least, the channel 
they had entered was narrow and the water was clear 
and swift so that the launch made slow progress. 
When David looked down at the water speeding past 
them it seemed that they must be moving along at a 
furious rate; when he looked at the trees on the bank 
he knew that they were barely making any headway. 
It took several hours for them to battle their way up 
the turbulent stretch of rapids. 

^^That is an island,’^ said one of the men, pointing 
to the land on their right. ^This channel is bad 
enough—especially when the water is low. But you 
should see the branch on the other side of the island. 
There is a drop there several meters high and no boat 
can pass up or down it.’’ 

David was not greatly impressed by these words. 


122 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


He did not recall them even later when he found him¬ 
self suddenly at the brink of that very drop. 

The country rapidly became wilder in appearance. 
Perhaps it only seemed so because the stream was so 
narrow that they had a continuous close view of both 
banks and the heavy growth that clothed them. 

The launch seemed strangely out of place in the 
dreary, primeval waste of jungle and hurrying water. 
Men had come and gone before on the river; and 
Indians and beasts lived in the green fortresses on 
either side. But there was no sign of them, no trace 
of their presence or existence. Only once was there 
evidence that others besides themselves were stirring 
on the now silent, undemonstrative river. 

They had just rounded a sharp bend which had 
obstructed their view up-stream. Ahead of them and 
not more than two hundred yards distant was another 
abrupt bend. The stern of a dugout canoe was just 
disappearing around it. They could not see the occu¬ 
pants of the craft, but the widening circles of ripples 
on the water showed that a number of paddles had 
been dipped deep to propel the canoe at great speed. 

They reached the spot soon after. Ahead of them 
was a clear stretch of water fully a mile long. It was 
not possible that the Indians could have covered that 
distance while the launch, travelling much faster, was 
traversing the very short distance that had separated 
them. But the dugout was not in sight. There was 
not a trace of it—not even a ripple on the water to tell 
where it had gone. It had vanished completely. 

The river glided on as smoothly and as silently as 


THE ASCENT OF UPPER AMAZON 123 


before with the secret of the mysterious craft safely 
locked in its yellow flood. 

‘‘The guns/^ the captain said quietly as they steered 
toward the middle of the stream. 

The men who had weapons loaded them and held 
them ready for instant action. They scanned the 
banks as they sped along, but saw no signs of the 
canoe. There were no creeks or inlets in which it 
could have been hidden. 

“Where did it get to?^’ David asked in astonish¬ 
ment. 

“Who knows?^^ one of the men answered. “That 
is one of the mysterious things the Indians do that 
cannot be explained. One minute you see them, the 
next they are gone. And the minute you forget all 
about them a shower of arrows comes rattling around 
your head.’’ 

“I can’t understand it. I should think it would get 
on your nerves,” David commented with a shudder. 

“It does. Who wouldn’t be upset when he knows 
there are silent, tricky shadows all around him that 
appear and fade away at will. You’ll understand it 
better when you have been in the country longer.” 

“I don’t feel comfortable. It doesn’t seem natural.” 

“I tell you these Indians are diablos. They are not 
human. That’s why we are no match for them. 
You’ll see!” 

The river grew somewhat narrower as they advanced 
up-stream. Also the water was still falling, the dry 
season not having reached its height. In a few weeks 
it would be at its lowest stage; then it would remain 


124 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


stationary for some time, until the coming of the rains 
when it always rose rapidly until the stream was con¬ 
verted into a roaring flood. 

The receding water left the ledges of rock that 
cropped out of the river bank exposed above the sur¬ 
face—^some of them many feet up, others sloping 
gently into the stream. All of them were covered 
with mud which had not dried on the more recently 
exposed ones. 

They came suddenly upon such a table-like expanse 
glistening in the bright sunlight. On it were dark 
masses that moved. The distance separating them 
was at flrst too great for David to tell just what the 
objects were, but the men saw them before long and 
raised a shout of joy. 

‘^Meat, meat!’^ they said. ^‘Now we will have fresh 
meat to eat.’’ 

‘What are they, turtles?” David asked, then 
answered his own question. “They can’t be. Look 
at the bright colors.” 

“They are birds,” someone said. “All kinds of par¬ 
rots.” 

“Parrots? What are they doing in the mud?” 

“Eating it, of course.” 

“And you expect me to believe that? There are a 
good many things I don’t know about your country, 
but I do know that parrots don’t eat mud.” 

“It’s the truth”; it was Miguel who strove to show 
his superior knowledge. “They come each year when 
the water is low and gorge themselves on the fresh mud. 


THE ASCENT OF UPPER AMAZON 125 

There is salt or something of that kind in it and they 
come to get that.” 

They were now near enough to the ledge so that a 
good view of the birds could be had. There were 
large groups of them that must have totaled thousands 
of individuals. Many different species were abun¬ 
dantly represented. There were red and blue macaws 
of great size; large green parrots with yellow heads; 
parrokeets no larger than an English sparrow; and 
many of intermediate dimensions. Almost every hue 
of the rainbow could be seen in the assortment. But 
standing out from the motley array was a group of the 
magnificent hyacinthine macaws. 

Much to the surprise of David the birds were not 
alarmed upon the approach of the launch. Ordinarily 
so wary, they paid not the slightest attention to the 
oncoming, noisy craft, but continued delving deeply 
into the mire with their hooked beaks. 

“The mud makes them stupid,” they explained when 
he asked the reason for the seeming indifference, “or 
else they get drunk on it. Anyway, they can’t fly 
away. That’s why we are going to have all the fresh 
meat we can eat for a few days.” 

When the launch reached the ledge the men leaped 
ashore with poles in their hands and clambered into 
the midst of the groups of birds. A few took wing, 
circled once or twice and then came back to their old 
places; a number of others ran about aimlessly, 
obviously bewildered, but unable to seek safety in 
flight. The vast majority, however, did not notice 
the men, who began clubbing them with their poles. 


126 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

David revolted at the sight, but was powerless to 
prevent the slaughter, in which, however, he took no 
part. 

going to have one for a pet, though,” he 
thought, ^^one of the big blue ones.” 

He threw his coat over a hyacinthine macaw and 
carried it back to the launch where he deposited it on 
the deck. When he removed the covering the bird 
struggled to its feet and stood blinking at him in a 
dazed manner. 

How wonderful it was! It measured nearly four 
feet from the tip of its hooked beak to the end of its 
tail, and was of a uniform deep blue color. The bill 
was of enormous proportions, fully three inches deep, 
the upper mandible ending in a sharp, hooked point, 
the lower fitting into it like a keen-edged scoop. He 
had not imagined that such a creature existed. 

Soon the men came back laden with their victims. 
They made several trips back and forth to gather up 
all the birds they had killed, but at last the task was 
completed and a high heap lay on the deck. Fortu¬ 
nately, large numbers of survivors still remained on 
the ledge, eating as unconcernedly as if nothing out of 
the ordinary had occurred. 

When the men saw what David had done they roared 
with laughter. 

“Wait until it wakes up,” one said. “It will make 
things hot for you. Youfil never manage it.” 

“I'm going to tie it,” David explained. “Here is 
a string that I bet will hold it.” 

At this they laughed louder than before, 


THE ASCENT OF UPPER AMAZON 127 


“Better use this wire/^ one suggested, handing him 
one of the kind used in binding the bales of dried beef, 
and he accepted it, fastening one end to one of the 
bird’s legs and the other to the rail. 

“Now, I guess you’ll stay a while,” David com¬ 
mented. “I’m going to tame you and take you back 
home with me.” 

The remainder of the day was spent plucking and 
dressing the parrots and that night they ate quantities 
of them that had been boiled first and then roasted. 
The flesh was of excellent flavor, though many of the 
birds were tough in the extreme. However, they were 
a most welcome change from the everlasting dried 
beef and there were enough left for several days to 
come. 


CHAPTER XI 


IN THE RUBBER FOREST 

The rubber camp was a dismal place. The clusters 
of huts comprising the settlement stood in the deep 
shade cast by gigantic trees that grew close together; 
most of them were little more than shelters—peaked 
roofs on poles, and were of the flimsiest possible con¬ 
struction. The palm-leaf thatch was held in place by 
poles laid across it short distances apart, instead of 
being tied with strips of bark or creepers. However, 
the makeshift construction was entirely practicable as 
the hovels had to be replaced each year and they 
served their purpose well for one short season. 

The paths that had been worn between the huts 
were muddy and a number of lean pigs wallowed in 
them. The latter were the camp scavengers and were 
also relied upon to destroy scorpions, tarantulas and 
other obnoxious creatures that ventured near the 
human habitations. 

The smokehouses in which the rubber later was pre¬ 
pared, after it had been brought in from the forest, 
stood apart from the huts occupied as living quarters 
by the men. These had walls that enclosed them, but 
light filtered into the interior through the thin layer 
of leaves that extended from the roof to the ground. 

128 


IN THE RUBBER FOREST 


129 


The earth floors were littered with an array of large 
tin cones, pails, bowls of various sizes, wooden pad¬ 
dles and heaps of the palm nuts burned to produce 
the acrid smoke needed to congeal the rubber milk. 
There were also numerous little flreplaces built of 
stones. David was to learn the use of all these uten¬ 
sils very soon. 

Several long dug-out canoes were tied up at the 
bank. They were a precautionary measure. If the 
water in the river should rise suddenly, as it some¬ 
times did, the men could take to the boats as the whole 
region would soon be inundated. 

They unloaded the launch and carried the supplies 
to the storehouse. Their personal effects were taken 
to those huts having sufficient space for their ham¬ 
mocks. David returned to the boat just in time to see 
a large bird winging its way up the river. 

‘There goes your pet,^’ one of the men greeted him. 
“I told you so.^’ 

The wire had been bitten in two as if it had been a 
thread. 

“Well, if it’s like that, I’m glad it’s gone,” David 
said, but he was in reality somewhat sorry to lose his 
prize. 

“You can’t keep them,” the man continued. “They 
bite or gnaw their way out of anything and if you try 
to be friendly they bite your fingers off.” 

The bird had swerved in its flight and with raucous 
screams disappeared over the tree-tops. 

Nothing was seen of the men engaged in the rubber 
harvest, for they were in the forest collecting the pre- 


/ 


130 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

vious night’s flow of sap. Only two Brazilians, the 
cook and his helper, were on duty at the camp, and 
they kept up a continuous bombardment of questions 
of the newcomers, most of which concerned David, 
but he did not try to understand what was being said. 

The Indians and Brazilians arrived from the forest 
shortly before noon and looked at the white man in 
astonishment. The Indians had their abodes apart 
from the others and did not mingle with the Brazilians; 
most of them had their entire families with them and 
all helped with the work in hand. 

David was awakened early the following morning. 
Daylight had not yet penetrated into the jungle, but 
by the time coffee had been prepared, each man going 
to the cook shack with his cup for his share, the gray 
light was filtering through the branches overhead. 
The Indians remained near their hovels and prepared 
their own food over small fires. 

‘^Come with me!” The speaker was one of the men 
who had come on the launch, and his words were 
directed at David. 

^^Here is your outfit. I will start you on a route and 
tell you all you have to know,” he continued. ‘‘Tomor¬ 
row and every day after that you’ll be alone like the 
rest of us.” 

David took the small ax which, however, had a 
handle five feet long; that was the “outfit” to which 
the man had referred. Silently, he followed his guide 
into the forest. 

“Now, listen,” the latter said, after they had gone 
a short distance. “The trees that produce the rubber 


IN THE RUBBER FOREST 


131 


milk are called Hevea braziliensis; everybody knows 
that name, even the most ignorant Indians, so you 
ought to remember it, too. The trees grow all over 
the forest, but the trouble is that there are never very 
many of them close together. You will find one here 
and one there and by the time you have discovered a 
few hundred you will be many kilometers from where 
you started. Could you tell one if you saw it?” 

‘‘Yes, I know a rubber tree. It has long, thick 
leaves. Some of them grow higher than I am,” David 
replied, proud of his knowledge. 

“I never saw one like that. This is one of the kind 
I mean,” and the man stopped. Before him was a tree 
fully seventy-five feet high and eighteen inches 
through at the base. At first it looked to David 
exactly like all the other trees around them. But a 
second glance showed a number of V-shaped welts dis¬ 
tributed evenly around the lower part of the trunk. 

“Is that one?” he asked. “It is different from my 
kind, but I see. It will be easy to find the trees now 
that you have pointed one out to me. I could tell 
them from a distance on account of the way the bark 
grows.” 

The man burst into a laugh. 

“The bark donT grow that way naturally,” he said. 
“This tree has been bled some time ago and those 
marks are the scars that have healed over.” 

He then explained the characteristics by which the 
hevea trees could be readily identified. The bark, 
for instance, was fairly smooth, and the long leaves 
grew in little clusters of three, 


132 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


They walked on rapidly winding to right and to 
left so as to find aU the trees growing in a wide belt of 
country, but kept a straight course toward the east. 

After a while the guide stopped suddenly. 

^^Do you know where we are?’’ he asked. 

^^Yes, I think so,” David replied. 

“Where is camp?” 

“That way,” and David pointed north. 

“You’re wrong, but it’s my fault. I should have 
told you before; the best way to mark your trail in the 
jungle is to bend down twigs as you go along. The 
under sides of the leaves are much lighter than the 
upper sides, so you can see them a long way off. 
Watch!” 

He snapped a small branch and the two walked on. 
Looking back, David could easily distinguish the light, 
silvery under surface of the leaves on the branch that 
had been bent. 

After that he snapped twigs frequently, leaving a 
well-defined trail in back of them. 

They had spent nearly three hours in the forest and 
had penetrated a distance of fully four miles. 

“This will be enough trees to start with,” the Brazil¬ 
ian said, stopping. “I have spotted two hundred and 
fifty of them and they will keep you busy until you 
learn more about the work. After a while you can 
go as much further as you like. A good man works 
five or six hundred trees. But you will have your 
hands full with these now.” 

“What do I have to do?” David asked. “How do 
you milk a rubber tree?” 


IN THE RUBBER FOREST 


133 


‘They are not milked/^ the man replied with a 
superior air. “They are bled. We will take this one 
for an example. Watch what I do. Look closely and 
ask me any questions you want to.’’ 

He took the long-handled ax and standing on the 
tips of his toes made a number of quick cuts in the 
bark as high up as he could reach. Two incisions were 
always made together to form a V, and the blade was 
not driven straight into the bark but at an angle so 
that the cut had slanting edges. 

After encircling the tree-trunk with these marks— 
about ten inches apart, the ring of them being over 
ten feet above the ground, the man stopped to explain 
their purpose. They were made merely to stimulate 
the flow of sap or latex. Each cut was a wound to 
the tree; it would rush a stream of sap to the spot to 
cleanse it, keep out insects and dust and to seal it 
until it could grow together again. That was nature’s 
way of protecting the tree when it was injured and 
while healing was in progress. 

If the tree were wounded in too many places at the 
same time it would be unable to cope with the situa¬ 
tion and would die of the shock. But if the injuries 
were inflicted in gradually increasing numbers it would 
build up a strong defense by storing a large quantity 
of sap, ready to be rushed to any part of the trunk to 
clean new abrasions and protect them so soon as they 
were inflicted. 

Three or four days would be required to bring about 
this state of affairs in most cases, although in some 
trees it would take a week. 


134 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

That would be David’s first task—to make circles 
of incisions each morning to stimulate the trees to 
action. 

Next, he was told the rules that had to be observed 
in tapping the trees. The cuts must be ten inches 
apart and each new ring must be ten inches below the 
last one. Also, the position of each incision had to 
be halfway between those above, so that two days^ 
work would look like this 

V V V V 
V V V V 

Only one other thing remained to be told. No tree 
was to be disturbed unless it had a circumference of 
six spans half a meter above the ground. 

When, on the fourth or fifth day, the milk began to 
fiow in quantity sufficient to be collected, a strip of 
tough palm midrib was tied around the trunk near the 
base. One side was pushed down a few inches; when 
the milk ran down the trunk it was stopped by the 
girdle and flowing along it soon reached the lowest 
part where a large leaf folded into a cone was suspended 
to receive it. 

It all looked very simple and David was sure he 
would have no trouble in following the instructions 
given him. On the return journey he snapped twigs 
continually so that he could easily find his way over 
the same route the next day. 

He was back on the trail early, starting at the same 
time as the others, who branched away in all directions. 
The long-handled ax was in his hands and the revolver, 


135 


IN THE RUBBER FOREST 

which he now always carried, was in its holster at his 
side. Most of the men had a firearm of some kind; 
others had bows and arrows, in the use of which they 
were proficient, having learned the art from the 
Indians. 

There was no trouble in picking up the trail of the 
previous day, and the bent twigs with the silvery under 
side of the leaves showing plainly, made it easy to 
follow the route that had been selected for him. 

As he came to each rubber tree he stopped and made 
the circle of V-shaped cuts so high up as he could 
reach with the ax. It was still early when he finished 
and began the homeward walk. The forest was 
strangely silent save for the call of an occasional bird 
in the distance. 

As he was covering his route for the second time he 
noticed that the cuts he had made the day before were 
covered with beads and rivulets of whitish gum. Some 
of it had trickled down a few inches on the trunk before 
hardening. That was encouraging and he hastened to 
make the second ring of incisions below the first. 

This was continued daily for a period of five days 
and by that time the sap was flowing so abundantly 
that the ground at the foot of the trees was covered 
with it. The girdles and leaf-cups were now put in 
position and it was with a feeling of eagerness that 
David started on his journey the following morning, 
this time carrying a large tin pail in addition to the ax. 

Each folded leaf contained from one to two ounces 
of the milky sap. They were emptied into the bucket 
and the leaves were replaced at the lowest part of the 


136 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


belt. New cuts were made in the trees for the next 
day^s supply. 

When Jones reached the end of his line the pail was 
nearly full and he had to walk carefully in order not 
to spill any of the precious fluid. Also, it was very 
heavy. As he walked along slowly, an idea came to 
him. Why had he begun to collect the milk at the 
near end of the trail? That meant carrying the filled 
pail all the way back! By starting at the far end the 
pail would not be full until he was nearly back in camp 
and so the carry would be a short one. 

After the midday meal, which was most uninviting 
as it consisted of the eternal dried beef, rice and beans, 
all boiled together so that they formed a thick, brown 
mass, he went to one of the smokehouses to prepare 
his day’s catch. 

This structure, like the others used for the purpose, 
was almost entirely enclosed; that is, the palm leaves, 
of which the roof was composed, hung down in a ragged 
fringe until they touched the ground. The ends were 
closed with other leaves fastened to cross pieces of 
bamboo. There was only one small opening that 
served as a doorway, but light entered the interior 
through the numerous little holes between the leaves. 

The smoke was so dense that at first David could 
see nothing. His eyes began to smart and tears rolled 
down his cheeks. The smoke threatened to suffocate 
him and, coughing violently, he began to grope blindly 
for the doorway. 

''Stoop down, cabocloy” someone called to him and 
he obeyed mechanically. The air was clear lower 


IN THE RUBBER FOREST 


137 


down; in fact, the smoke hovered in a thick cloud near 
the top of the structure, its lower edge four feet above 
the earth floor. 

David had recognized the voice that had called to 
him. It was Miguel’s. And the word caboclo meant 
a sort of worthless fellow and was always used 
derisively. But he was in no condition to resent the 
insult just then, so pretended not to have noticed it. 

When his eyes had cleared he could make out a 
number of men squatting near their smudges, each 
engaged in smoking his day’s harvest of rubber sap. 
There being several unused fireplaces he went to one 
of them and set down his pail. Then he went to one 
of the men—one he had taught to swim and dive, and 
asked questions, watching him proceed with his work 
the while. The process was a very simple one, so he 
soon returned to his place, started a fire between the 
stones and when the dry sticks were blazing he placed 
upon them several of the large palm nuts used to pro¬ 
duce the smudge. 

Soon the smoke was rolling upward in a broad, white 
column; then he placed one of the tall, cone-shaped 
tins over it so that it now poured out of the opening in 
the pointed end in a small though dense stream. 

The milk was emptied into a wide, shallow pan. A 
pole five feet long and having a circumference of six 
inches was suspended by one end from the rafters with 
a strong cord. He took the loose end in one hand, 
swung the pole over the pan, dipped up some of the 
milk with a gourd dipper and poured it over the cen¬ 
tral part of the pole. A good deal of it adhered to the 


138 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


wood but the greater part of it ran down again into the 
pan. Then he quickly swung the pole so that the 
part covered with sap was directly over the tin cone; 
the acrid smoke pouring out of it instantly converted 
the milk into rubber by congealing and darkening it. 

In a short time he became very proficient in the 
operation. The pole was kept swinging back and forth 
constantly; when it was above the pan it received a 
fresh coat of milk and when it swung over the smoke 
a new, thin layer of rubber was formed. 

It took several hours to prepare his morning’s catch. 
The novelty of the work made it interesting, at first. 
After that it was nothing but a monotonous, mechani¬ 
cal grind and David was glad when the last drops had 
been scooped out of the pan and added to the slowly 
forming ball on the pole. All the others had finished 
their work long before that time and were lolling about 
camp. 

David went to his quarters for his lasso. There 
were still several hours before nightfall and he would 
use them in practice with the rope; it was absolutely 
necessary that he become expert in its use before 
returning to the ranch. 

Again and again the coil was swung over his head 
and sent speeding at a conveniently situated stump 
that served as a target. More often than not the loop 
fell wide of the mark. He was so engrossed in his occu¬ 
pation that he had not noticed the little group of men 
that had gathered to watch his efforts. 

^^He will never learn anything. Just look at that! 
missed it four meters.” David knew that the voice 


IN THE RUBBER FOREST 


139 


belonged to Miguel, without turning to look at the 
speaker. told you he was a caboclo,” the latter 
continued. 

David pretended not to hear. He whipped up the 
noose with a snap and prepared it for another throw. 

^^And he^s worse than that. If anybody called me 
a caboclo I’d fight.” Miguel had been encouraged 
by David’s silence and was adding insult to injury. 

That was too much for David. He dropped the 
rope and in a few quick strides reached the man who 
had so openly challenged him. 

‘‘Look here,” he said very quietly, “don’t you ever 
get the idea that I’m afraid of you—or anyone else 
either. This is not the first time you tried to make 
trouble; but it’s going to be the last time. Under¬ 
stand?” 

The even tones deceived Miguel. The only kind of 
fighting he knew was always preceded by loud, fiery 
arguments. The American was clearly evading the 
issue. 

“Well,” he said with a sneer, “what are you going 
to do about it?” 

“This!” David’s right fist shot out like a bolt and 
sent the troublemaker flat on his back. 


CHAPTER XII 


A 


A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE ' 

A GASP escaped the circle of onlookers as Miguel 
struck the ground. And the first feeling of surprise 
was followed by one of expectancy, of curiosity to see 
what would happen next. According to the rules of 
the game as they knew it David should have imme¬ 
diately pounced upon the prostrate man and given him 
a good mauling, but he did nothing of the sort. That 
puzzled them. 

He stood over him, however, with clenched fists, 
ready for instant action when Miguel regained his feet. 

After a moment the man opened his eyes. 

^^Now take back what you said,’’ David demanded, 
was only joking,” Miguel answered, rising to a 
sitting position and holding one hand to his head. 

^Well, I was not joking,” David replied. ‘^You 
know that by this time. I was in dead earnest. I’ve 
stood for a good many things to keep from hurting 
anybody, but there’s a limit. Take back your words 
or you won’t stay on your feet very long when you get 
up. I’ll knock you down every time you try it. What 
you’ve had so far is only a sample.” 

The man looked appealingly to the circle of his com¬ 
panions. But the look in their faces gave him no 


140 


A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE 141 


encouragement to expect help in that direction. First 
one, then another face was scrutinized. The onlook¬ 
ers, if anything, were afraid the fight would stop too 
soon; they wanted to see more of it. 

“Hurry up!” David’s voice rang out clear and sharp. 
“Do what I told you to unless you want to spend the 
whole afternoon down in the dirt.” 

“I said I was only joking,” Miguel persisted. “I 
said I didn’t mean anything.” He stopped short. 

“All right. And I said I am not joking. Now con¬ 
tinue. Say you’re sorry and take it all back.” 

After a short hesitation the man did as he was 
directed. 

“Now get up,” David said. “I’m sorry, too, I had 
to hurt you and I hope it won’t be necessary to do it 
again. It depends on you.” 

Picking up his rope he continued his occupation as 
unconcernedly as if nothing had happened. 

Miguel- got up and walked toward one of the huts. 
The others, however, remained, watching David’s 
efforts and giving him a good deal of helpful advice 
which he was glad to have. 

Day after day the work of collecting the rubber sap 
continued. The unvaried nature of the work was 
monotonous. Each morning David tramped up the 
long trail to its end and then went slowly homeward 
emptying the little leaf-cups into his pail and cutting 
new gashes into the trees as he went. The flow was 
increasing steadily and was of excellent quality. As 
a result of this the ball of rubber on the stick in the 


142 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


smokehouse grew rapidly. Each day^s work added 
another layer to the rapidly accumulating mass. 

The men, so it was said, received the equivalent of 
ten cents a pound for the rubber they collected. And 
as David was now adding not less than twenty pounds 
a day to his lot, it was amounting up rapidly. 

In covering his route one day he found that instead 
of the white liquid he had expected to find, many of the 
cups were filled with little cakes of a tough cheesy 
consistency and of a grayish color. He could not 
account for the sudden change. Removing one of 
the cups he pulled away the leaf in fragments, reveal¬ 
ing the little cake in its entirety, and puzzled over it 
for some time. There was nothing to do but to collect 
the masses and replace the leaf-cups with new ones. 
Those containers that held latex as it should be were 
emptied into the pail. David removed his shirt and 
used it for a bag in which to carry the chunks of con¬ 
gealed substance. 

This took more time than usual and it was well past 
the noon hour when he reached camp. The men were 
in the smokehouses, busy with their occupation. It 
had occurred to David that the condition of his catch 
might be the result of some change in the weather, but 
when he saw the others with their pans of snowy liquid 
he knew that there must be some other reason. 

Dorn Carlos, the foreman, happened to be in the hut 
when he entered. He was in his usual ugly mood and 
glared at David as he emptied the contents of his shirt 
on the floor. 


A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE 143 

‘What have you got there he called in a loud 
voice. 

‘T donT know what caused it,” David began, while 
some of the men started to laugh, “but it was nearly 
all like this today. I thought maybe it was the heat 
caused it.” 

“Who do you think I am, to try to give me such an 
excuse?” Carlos bellowed. “The heat! The heat! 
It must have affected you but not the rubber. IBs 
your own laziness spoiled it. YouVe wasted a day of 
your employer's time and a lot of his property. Do 
vou realize that?” 

V 

David did not like being called down before all the 
others and he could hardly keep from expressing his 
feelings in a forcible manner. But upon second 
thought he suppressed the impulse. Perhaps the man 
was trying to pick a fight. 

“WhaBs the reason for it?” he asked. “Why did the 
milk get hard like that?” 

“Dirt, of course. YouVe been using the same old 
cups every day when you should make new ones at 
least every third day.” 

“What do you want done with this? IsnT it worth 
anything?” David asked. 

“Throw it into the scrap heap. The boss is entitled 
to all the rubber on his property, and if anyone wastes 
it, as you have done, he suffers a loss. But Pll see that 
he doesn’t lose anything in this case. I’ll charge it 
against your work,” the foreman said in an angry 
manner. 

That part did not trouble David greatly. He was 


144 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

not counting so much on earning money as on winning 
the good will of everyone around him. So he made 
no reply. 

Having nothing to do that afternoon, after the small 
quantity of good sap had been prepared, he spent the 
time with his lasso. It was remarkable how quickly 
one could become fairly proficient through constant, 
earnest practice. He could now swing the rope easily 
and hurl it accurately. If he continued to show 
improvement at the present rate he would be well able 
to hold his own when they returned to the ranch. 

‘T believe in making hay while the sun shines,’^ he 
thought, ‘^then after I’ve won my spurs in the bush it 
will be easier to get along at Las Palmas.” 

The next morning the contents of most of the cups 
were found to be in the same condition as on the pre¬ 
vious day. After examining a number of the little, 
tough cakes David came to the conclusion that no mat¬ 
ter what caused the trouble, he was not responsible 
for it. The cups were clean, for they were new ones. 
And the milk that trickled from the cuts was as it 
should be; it was only after it reached the little con¬ 
tainers that it quickly coagulated. No! It was not 
his fault and not the fault of the trees; they had not 
soured overnight. Someone had visited his route and 
had tampered with his work. 

First he would try to find out what had been done 
and the next step would be to discover the guilty party. 

He took one of the small cakes and examined it 
carefully. The exterior was perfectly smooth. Then 
he cut it in half and looked at the texture of the inter- 


A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE 145 

ior of the mass. It did not differ from the outside. 
Not satisfied with this finding he divided one of the 
halves and when the knife had gone into it a little 
ways it scraped against some hard substance near the 
bottom. It was a large, black ant and he had cut it 
in two. 

That might be a clew as to what caused the difficulty. 
Acting on a sudden impulse he smelled of the pieces 
in his hand. There was a strong odor of acid, not 
unfamiliar to him. 

‘Tormic acid, of course,’^ he said half aloud. ^^Ants 
are full of it. It’s strong enough to curdle almost any¬ 
thing.” 

The presence of the ant seemed to explain the con¬ 
dition of the latex; but someone must have placed it 
there. It was possible that it had been attracted by 
the fluid and had fallen into it while drinking. But 
he did not recall having seen a single one at any time 
and if they were so plentiful that they invaded fully 
half his cups, it seemed that he must have observed 
them for they were of extraordinary size, being nearly 
an inch long. 

David cut open one after another of the muffin-like 
pieces as he found them; each contained one or more 
of the ants. That fact confirmed his suspicions. Then 
he pulled out one of the insects and examined it 
minutely; and the first thing he saw was that it was 
headless. He cut and broke the mass of rubber into 
small bits, but the missing head could not be found. 
A hurried examination of a number of other pieces 
produced the same result. All the insects had been 


146 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


decapitated and were in about the center of the mass, 
indicating that they had been dropped into the cups 
some time after the sap began to flow—probably late 
in the afternoon. 

The whole thing was perfectly clear to David now. 
After flnishing his work in the smokehouse Miguel 
stole back over David’s trail with a supply of the ants 
he had gathered at some nest he had discovered and 
placed them in the containers. He recalled now that 
Miguel was always among the flrst to finish the smok¬ 
ing and often disappeared shortly after. Also, it was 
not surprising that he should want to have revenge 
on the person who had humiliated him. 

David determined that he would feign ignorance of 
his discovery and trap the culprit at his game. He did 
not trouble to collect the coagulated masses, for they 
would only be thrown into the scrap heap, but tossed 
them aside and placed new cups into position. 

That afternoon David was passing the time with 
his lasso, as usual; several of the men who had finished 
their task were watching him and offering advice when 
up walked Miguel. 

The thrashing he had received rankled. He had 
lost prestige with the men; and he was determined to 
square the account. 

David saw at a glance that Miguel was in an ugly 
mood and bent on starting trouble, but pretended not 
to notice him. 

For a moment the Brazilian said nothing. But the 
look on his face as he watched David plainly showed 
the thoughts that were in his mind. 


A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE 147 


“That was wonderful/^ he said finally and with a 
note of sarcasm in his voice, as David, throwing at one 
of the men who ran past, thus serving as a moving tar¬ 
get, missed. “Keep it up and you'll soon be foreman 
of the ranch." 

Strange to say, none of the men laughed. Their 
sympathy was entirely with David and this added to 
Miguel's anger. 

“And how about that fancy swimming you talked 
so much about?" he added. 

“Who, me?" David seemed surprised. “I don't 
remember saying anything about it." 

“I do, and I have witnesses. You said you would 
go anywhere I would." 

“All right. I'll go any time you say." 

“The water is full of crocodiles. You won't go in 
when you see them, and then they," pointing to the 
others, “will see how brave you are. And if you do go 
in you'll be eaten in a minute, because you can't swim 
well enough to-" 

“I'll go at any time and place you say and I'll do 
anything you will. Right now suits me. Now come 
on, or shut up," David interrupted him hotly. 

Miguel fiushed and moved his feet uneasily, but 
there was now no getting out of it. 

“The lagoon," he said grimly. “We'll go to the 
lagoon." 

“No, Miguel; not there." One of the men stepped 
forward as if to stop him. “It is full of caimen and 
they are the largest and most savage of any place. 
Go to the river." 



148 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

i 

'^Get out of the way!’’ Miguel pushed him aside. 

David had not even heard that there was a lagoon 
in the neighborhood, but followed his challenger as 
he walked away. Without fully realizing what he was 
doing he still retained hold of the rope. In his belt 
he had only the long brush knife each man carried; 
the revolver was in his hammock in the shack where 
he invariably placed it upon his return from the forest 
at noon. 

The men who had been present followed the two 
in a straggling line. The thing that was about to 
happen might have a thrilling ending and they did not 
want to miss it. 

Miguel took a trail that was new to David and 
walked rapidly through the semi-gloom of the heavy 
jungle. He was grimly silent. He realized the serious 
nature of the mission; he had spoken hastily and now 
regretted his conduct. But, much to his surprise, 
David had accepted promptly, and now, with the 
others following, there was nothing to do but see the 
thing through. 

After half an hour’s walk, during which no one 
spoke, they reached a point where the forest grew 
thinner and the patches of sky showing through the 
branches ahead of them were larger. They were 
coming to the jungle’s end. 

Then the trees were replaced by a growth of brush 
in scattered clumps and the ground was soggy under¬ 
foot. Ahead of them glistened a sheet of water 
fringed with reeds and grass. Here and there was a 
cluster of tall, feathery bamboo in which large, crested 


A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE 149 

birds were fluttering and croaking. A number of taU 
herons, frightened from their places of concealment 
by the newcomers, flapped heavily across the opening, 
voicing their resentment in hoarse squawks. 

A more desolate place would be hard to picture, 
but Miguel did not falter. He picked his way care¬ 
fully over the muddy path and made straight for the 
lagoon, David not ten feet in back of him and the 
others bringing up the rear. 

It happened so suddenly that at flrst David did not 
know what took place. Miguel was just rounding one 
of the dense clumps of bushes when he gave a wild cry 
of terror and sank down into the grass. There was a 
struggle of some kind going on. The tall blades beside 
the trail waved and crumpled; there was the sound of 
a heavy body thumping in the mud; and Miguel’s 
screams fllled the air. 

^^Help! help! help! For heaven’s sake, help me!” 
he was calling frantically. 

David thought the unfortunate man had been seized 
by a giant snake. He looked back to where the other 
men had been; they were fleeing down the trail for 
their lives and calling to him to follow them. 

Just then Miguel’s head and shoulders appeared 
above the waving grass. He was clutching wildly at 
the stems and sprouts, but they either gave way or his 
grasp was broken by an irresistible force that was 
dragging him rapidly toward the lagoon. 

David started for the man on a run; and then he 
saw that Miguel was in the clutches of a monster 
crocodile. The repulsive reptile had seized him by one 


150 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


foot and was moving away with surprising agility— 
so fast, in fact, that David could not hope to overtake 
it before it reached the muddy water. 

Miguebs position seemed hopeless; in a few mo¬ 
ments he would be dragged to the bottom and drowned. 

David’s mind was in a turmoil. His only weapon 
was the long knife in his belt, but that was useless 
at the moment. But there was the rope with which he 
had been toying when the trouble started and which 
was still in his hands. Almost before he realized what 
he was doing the noose was whirling over his head; 
the next instant it was soaring through the air, open¬ 
ing as it went, and as it sped on its way he prayed 
that it would find its mark. 

By this time the crocodile had reached the bare, 
muddy flat bordering the water. In another moment 
it would disappear into the stagnant depths with its 
terror-stricken victim. 

The rope flew after it with a whining sound and 
sent up a shower of thin mud as it struck. Then it lay 
limp. The noose had failed in its mission. 

A cry of despair escaped David when he realized 
what had happened; and then a tug, a violent pull, 
brought him to his senses. Luckily he still had the 
end of the rope in his hands, but he soon found that 
he had not the strength to stop the rush of the great 
creature. He was as nothing compared to the powerful 
reptile, which pulled him along as if unconscious of 
any hindrance. 

A clump of thick sprouts grew just off the trail to 
one side of him. They offered the one means of sal- 



He delivered thrust after thrust with his right at the vulnerable neck 

and throat. 










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I - 


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• 4 
. ) 


1 



A- 


V 


i 




€ 


A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE 151 


vation open to the man. David swerved around the 
growth and the drag on the line became less; and 
when he had encircled it there was scarcely any puU 
at all, for he had made a complete hitch around the 
stout stems, which now served as an unyielding anchor. 

The crocodile had come to an abrupt halt. It lashed 
its tail from side to side and writhed in its efforts to 
free itself from the grip of the rope that encircled one 
of its legs; but it still clung tenaciously to the man, 
unwilling to release him when but a few steps sepa¬ 
rated it from its element. 

David worked with frantic haste. He tied the end 
of the rope to one of the stems and, drawing the knife 
with its two-foot blade, rushed toward the struggling 
monster. 

^^Save me! Save me!’’ Miguel was crying piteously, 
and in his anxiety David cast caution to the winds 
and dashed at the reptile, knife raised high above his 
shoulder. The next thing he knew he found himself 
sprawling in the mud where a powerful blow of the 
crocodile’s tail had sent him. He arose immediately, 
but this time he approached more cautiously. 

'^Use your own knife,” he shouted. ^‘Hack at the 
eyes, the throat—any place at all!” 

These words carried a ray of hope with them and 
for the first time IMiguel seemed to regain his reason. 
He drew the shining blade from the scabbard and 
rained a shower of blows on the creature’s head, mak¬ 
ing it bellow with pain and rage. 

Blood began to stream from the numerous gashes, 
but still it refused to relinquish its victim. It was too 


152 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

occupied, however, to pay further attention to David; 
in a moment he had leaped astride the armor-covered 
back and, clutching the rough plates with his left hand, 
he delivered thrust after thrust with his right at the 
vulnerable neck and throat. 

Roars and bellows escaped the struggling reptile as 
it shook its huge body in vain efforts to rid itself of its 
adversary and filled the air with a shower of the thin 
mud. However, the odds against it were too great. 
Its efforts grew weaker and after a few minutes there 
were only the convulsive movements of its massive 
legs and tail. Its head had been alrnost severed from 
the body. 

David pried open the great jaws with the blade of 
his knife and released Miguehs foot; then he carried 
him to the grass and removed his shoe to examine the 
extent of his injury. He found that two of the thick, 
peg-like teeth had entered the flesh. Obviously the 
crocodile had broken some of its teeth in previous 
encounters, or the man would not have escaped so 
easily. He bore the pain stolidly even when David 
probed the wound to encourage bleeding, for he dared 
not wash it with the stagnant water of the lagoon. 

Just then the men reappeared. They had witnessed 
the combat from a distance, but now that it was over 
they came back and discussed it in loud, excited voices. 

David went to get his rope and paced the distance 
beside the crocodile, finding it over twenty feet in 
length. Then he returned to the group. 

^‘Miguel will have to be carried back to camp,” he 
said. ^^He must not walk until I can wash and dress 


A BATTLE WITH A CROCODILE 153 


his foot properly. You can all take turns carrying him, 
first one, then the other. Now, let’s start.” 

They obeyed mechanically, glad to be under the 
direction of the man who was now a hero in their 
sight, although they were still too dazed fully to appre¬ 
ciate it. 


CHAPTER XIII 


ADRIFT IN THE FOREST 

That night each one of the men who had witnessed 
the encounter of the afternoon described it in minutest 
detail to the others who had not been present. Even 
the Indians learned of it and came over in a body to 
hear the story told and retold, and then returned to 
their own shelters to discuss it far into the night. 

David was embarrassed by this great amount of 
attention. 

‘Tt was nothing,’’ he assured them. ^^Each one of 
you would have done the same thing if you had had a 
rope.” 

^^No, we wouldn’t,” they said, “especially if he had 
treated us the way he did you. He started it and was 
taking you there hoping you would be-” 

“Never mind that part of it. It’s all over now and, 
as I said before, it was nothing. I’m sure Miguel was 
only joking.” 

Miguel sat brooding through it all and David could 
not fail to notice it. 

“He’s sorry he put the ants into my rubber,” he 
thought with a smile. “Well, there won’t be any more 
of them for a few days at least, because he won’t be 
able to walk for a while. And, even when he can walk 


154 



ADRIFT IN THE FOREST 155 

again, he canT possibly be mean enough to play any 
more pranks like that on me/^ 

It was therefore with a light heart that he started 
over his route the next morning. He had first looked 
at Miguehs foot; it was swollen, but showed no signs 
of infection; so he washed and dressed it and told the 
man that if he remained in his hammock for a few 
days he would be all right. Miguel submitted to the 
ministrations and advice without a word. He seemed 
eager to have David care for his injured foot, but if 
he appreciated the attentions he received he gave no 
evidence of it. 

‘‘He certainly is a queer character, but as Tiny Tim 
said, ‘God bless us every one.’ I can’t figure him out,” 
David thought as he left the shack. 

The first few trees he visited had not been tampered 
with. The little cups were full of the precious, snowy 
liquid. He was positive now that his conjecture had 
been right. Miguel was the culprit; as he had not been 
able to visit the route the day before the catch had not 
been spoiled. 

Then great was his consternation to find that the 
very next cup was filled with a little cake of curdled 
latex, as before; and upon cutting it open he found the 
decapitated ants. 

Miguel was not the guilty one, after all. But who 
was? Someone was certainly responsible for the state 
of affairs. The ants could not drop their heads and 
then plunge into the white liquid that served as their 
graves. 

Continuing his walk along the trail, he found that 


156 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


numerous other trees had been visited by the prowler 
that did so much harm, the same trees in most in¬ 
stances as before. There was now no one whom David 
could suspect and the solution of the mystery seemed 
hopeless. But he would outwit them all. Without 
saying a word to anyone, he would select a new line 
and tap the trees, being careful not to leave a blazed 
trail that w^ould be so easy to follow. 

He began to collect the sap and threw the curdled 
pieces away as he turned his steps campward. 

Then a peculiar thing happened, so unexpected that 
it was startling. He had just rounded a bend in the 
trail. Ten yards ahead of him stood a thick hevea tree 
scarred by the cuts he had made. A flickering move¬ 
ment caught his eye; it was near the folded cup that 
served to catch the sap. Stopping in his tracks he 
looked intently at the little container, but saw noth¬ 
ing. He stood a full minute without removing his gaze 
from the spot, and just as he began to think that the 
flickering object had been a falling leaf his persistence 
was rewarded. 

A long, curved beak, followed by a brown head and 
two bright eyes, appeared cautiously around the tree 
trunk. David did not move. After a moment’s pause 
a brown bird about eight inches long hopped into view; 
it looked like a woodpecker, clinging to the bark with 
its feet and using its tail as a prop to sit on when it 
stopped to rest. David recognized it as a woodhewer, 
of which there were many species in the forest. 

The bird now hopped along fearlessly and for the 
first time the man noticed that it held something in 


157 


ADRIFT IN THE FOREST 

its beak. It made straight for the cup and dropped 
the object it had been carrying into it. Immediately 
after, it flew away; a few undulating dashes through 
the air and it had alighted on the base of a neighbor¬ 
ing tree and at once began to hop nimbly up the 
straight trunk. Soon it disappeared into a hole high 
overhead, which was apparently the entrance to its 
nesting cavity. In a moment it came out again and, 
clinging to the bark, hammered vigorously some object 
it had brought out of the cavity; then it flew to the 
nearest hevea and dropped the morsel into the little 
pool of sap forming in the leaf-cup. 

David watched the bird make several more trips 
between its nest and the nearby rubber trees. The 
mystery was solved. It was catching the ants that 
invaded its domicile, pounding off their heads against 
the rough bark and then disposing of the remains by 
dropping them into the nearest pool of liquid it could 
find, possibly to make doubly sure that they would not 
again come to life to disturb it. If the nearest pool 
happened to be a cup of latex the bird, of course, used 
it and David suffered thereby. 

The woodhewers were plentiful in the forest, which 
accounted for the fact that so many trees had been 
visited by them. He wondered why the men had not 
told him about this. 

David said nothing about his discovery when he 
reached camp. But that afternoon, when he had fin¬ 
ished his work in the smokehouse, he took a long walk 
in the forest, visiting the routes of several of the men. 
He found, as he had confidently expected, that the 


158 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


proportion of their trees visited by the birds was as 
great as on his own line; but the men had made up 
for the loss by extending their lines and bringing new 
trees into bearing as fast as others had to be discarded. 

This knowledge clearly pointed out to David the 
course he had to follow. And early the following 
morning found him prepared to extend his trail or 
open a new one. He carried his pail, as usual; in 
addition, the long-handled ax for tapping the new 
trees. His revolver and knife were in his belt. 

When he reached the end of the trail he put down 
the pail and continued walking through the forest; 
the country was all new to him, but he had no diffi¬ 
culty in locating rubber trees. They seemed more 
plentiful than ever, if anything. Clumps of them stood 
among the palms and other tall growths. 

As he penetrated farther and farther into the thick 
jungle he snapped or turned twigs every few steps so 
that there would be no trouble in finding his way back. 

He had been travelling in this manner more or less 
steadily for the greater part of two hours and had 
covered a distance of three or four miles. No less than 
two hundred new trees had been added to his line; 
when they produced freely, as they would within a 
week, his daily catch would compare favorably with 
that of the best in spite of the depredations of the 
woodhewers. 

To one side of him grew a very tall tree, towering 
high above its fellows; the trunk was straight and 
about four feet through, and David estimated that the 
lowest limb was fully sixty feet above the ground while 


ADRIFT IN THE FOREST 


159 


the topmost twigs must have been a hundred and fifty 
feet above his head. There were numbers of round 
objects hanging from the branches. He wondered 
what they were, and thinking that some of them might 
have fallen to the ground he walked to the tree to see 
if he could find one. 

Before long he found one of the large, cannon-ball¬ 
like objects, and upon breaking it open found a 
number of Brazil nuts inside. He stooped to crack 
one, but the blows from his knife never fell; from 
directly above him came the most peculiar song he 
had ever heard. It rose clear and ringing, setting the 
jungle a-tingle with its resonance, and swelling airily 
and easily until it seemed to penetrate the body of the 
listener. 

Oo-whee whee-e-e oo came the song, first low and 
plaintive, then rising to a very loud yet mellow pitch 
and again descending to the low, sad oo, finally ending 
in a few almost inaudible churrs. It sounded some¬ 
what like the ringing of a bell. 

Now, David had read about the bell birds of the 
South American forest and he felt that this must be 
one of them. Without rising, his eyes searched the 
branches overhead. The notes had come from so close 
at hand that the singer must have been in one of the 
lower growths, almost within reach of the man^s hand. 

There was not a stir among the leaves; the bird was 
not moving and would be harder to locate for that 
reason. As David gazed into the lacy vegetation about 
him the song was suddenly repeated and with such 
startling clearness that it sounded nearer than before. 


160 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


He looked quickly in the direction from which it had 
come, but saw nothing. It was exasperating; a crea¬ 
ture capable of producing such a volume of sound 
must be of considerable size. Then why could not he 
see it, especially since it was so close to him? 

A short time later a second voice came, as if in 
answer to the first, but it was some distance away, 
reaching but faintly through the maze of vegetation 
on the right. David turned his head in the direction 
from which the new song had come, involuntarily, and 
at the same moment the voice of the first singer rang 
out even louder than before. 

Oo-whee whee-oo! The swelling cadence cut the 
silence with appalling suddenness. It was uncanny, 
for try as he would David could not locate the bird 
that was calling. Either it was an accomplished ven¬ 
triloquist and was not where he expected to find it, 
or it was so small and inconspicuously colored that it 
was hard to see. 

That was the last time the song was repeated in the 
near vicinity. Again and again the bursts of sound, 
rising and falling in astonishing volume, came to the 
bewildered listener, but now they were all in the dis¬ 
tance. The songsters were all around him and the 
forest rang with their clear,.penetrating notes. 

‘T^m going to see one of them if it takes the rest of 
the day,^’ David said between clenched teeth. ‘‘That 
first one was right in front of my eyes, or I couldnT 
have heard it so well. Why didn't I see it then?” 

He went to the tree from which the nearest song 
was flowing; when he reached it there was only 


161 


ADRIFT IN THE FOREST 

silence. After a moments wait he left the spot and 
went to another where several birds were calling. But 
they immediately hushed their voices. Then he went 
to another, and another. But each time he changed 
positions the voice he sought was quickly silenced 
while the jungle resounded with the others, all of 
which were some little distance away. 

It occurred to him that his abrupt movements might 
be frightening the creatures, so he tried stealing noise¬ 
lessly from one place to another; but still the result 
. was the same. It was like pursuing some wiU-o’-the- 
wisp, always within reach but always unattainable. 

An hour passed, but David took no note of the fleet¬ 
ing time. A second slipped by and a third had started 
into the abyss that has neither beginning nor end, 
when the persistence and patience of the watcher were 
rewarded. He saw a dark object dart from one branch 
to another and then clearly made out the form of the 
bird as it sat motionless on its thick perch. It was the 
size of a robin and of a uniform, slaty-black color; the 
latter fact explained why it was so hard to see in the 
gloom of the forest vault. 

The bird sat quietly for several minutes while David 
stirred not a muscle. Then it raised its head and 
poured out the flood of sound that had been so baffling 
to the man. 

was determined to see it, and I did; but I had 
no idea I was so long about it,’^ David mused, con¬ 
sulting his watch. ‘Tfll have to hustle now. LeFs 
see, just where am I?’^ 

He looked around for a moment; the trees on all 


162 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

sides looked alike. In the excitement of his pursuit 
he had neglected to bend twigs to mark his path. 

His predicament was amusing, perhaps even a trifle 
annoying—nothing more. A few precious minutes 
more would be wasted while he got his bearings and 
he would be just that much later in reaching camp. 
He did not stop to think what would happen when 
he got there. 

^'The trail is in this direction and camp is right over 
there,he thought. 

Having reached these conclusions he started away 
at a rapid pace; and he walked longer than he thought 
he should have to strike the trail—without striking it. 
But he kept on doggedly until he was forced to admit 
that his guess had been a mistaken one. 

He stopped and again calculated carefully just 
which direction was the right one to take; and again a 
fruitless, tiring walk rewarded his efforts. When he 
tried to get his bearings for the third time he was 
forced to admit to himself that he was hopelessly lost. 
The sun might have been of use in the emergency, 
but in the forest there was no sun, and night was fast 
approaching. 

The first sensation that followed the realization that 
he was completely lost was one of panic. And the first 
impulse was to dash away frantically without heed to 
direction. However, David remained master of him¬ 
self to the extent that he quelled these feelings; he 
sat down on a convenient log. He would think it over, 
as calmly as he could, and decide what best had be 
done. 


163 


ADRIFT IN THE FOREST 

It came to him clearly now. He had followed the 
voice of the jungle siren without the slightest regard 
to the direction in which he went. He had not the 
faintest idea how far he had gone. He did not know 
where his old trail or the end of the new one was; 
perhaps they were many miles away. In short, he was 
just as much lost as ever. 

Finally he decided that the best procedure was to 
walk in gradually widening circles; at some time the 
circumference must bisect a point he knew. One direc¬ 
tion was as good as another to start with, so he started, 
walking rapidly; and by bearing slightly to the right 
he was sure his steps must cover a circuitous course. 

Nightfall found him still at sea as to his where¬ 
abouts. He gathered a pile of wood, started a fire and 
then sat down between the blaze and the butt of a 
thick castanha tree. No sleep came to him that night. 
All through the hours of blackness, peopled with invisi¬ 
ble forms and strange noises, he kept his lonely vigil, 
straining his ears for the shots or calls of the searching 
party he was sure would be sent for him. 

When daylight came there was nothing to do but 
resume the tramp of the day before, for he had been 
unable to think of a better plan. 

Fortunately, he came across a giant armadillo 
digging for grubs in a decayed stump, and promptly 
killed it before the stupid creature withdrew its head 
from the rubbish to discover his presence. 

It was a monster of its kind and weighed half a 
hundredweight. The head, body, legs and tail were 
completely encased in bony armor, and the claws it 


164 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

used in procuring its food would have measured eight 
inches long. 

David built a fire on the spot and soon pieces of the 
tender white flesh, roasted thoroughly, were satisfying 
the hunger of two days^ duration. He cooked every 
morsel, wrapped what he did not eat in leaves, and 
then fastened the pack to his back with strips of bark. 
It might be days before another opportunity to pro¬ 
cure food so easily presented itself. 

When the third day had passed the seriousness of 
his position came to David in an unexpected manner. 
The thing that caused him to stop suddenly while a 
feeling of terror came over him was the first sign of 
oncoming fever. 

That dread scourge of the tropical jungle struck 
without warning and David had read and heard 
enough about it to recognize it at the first onslaught— 
a feeling of utter exhaustion, followed by chills that 
made his teeth chatter even though the vegetation, 
high overhead, was wilting in the glare of the brassy 
sun. His entire body trembled violently as he sank 
in a heap to the ground. After that came a burning 
fever, so that for an hour he tossed in intense agony. 

The attack finally subsided, leaving him limp and 
helpless. After a time he gathered enough strength 
to kindle a fire, beside which he spent a miserable 
night. 

Once he sank into a light sleep; he was awakened 
by the sound of shuffling footsteps in the dry leaves. 
Some large animal was watching him, although he 
could not see it in the darkness. He threw wood on 


165 


ADRIFT IN THE FOREST 

the fire and as the flames leaped up there was a heavy 
crashing in the underbrush as the startled creature 
dashed away. 

The malady returned at increasingly frequent inter¬ 
vals, like some insidious enemy sure of its victim but 
in no undue haste to accomplish its vile purpose. 
David could not bear up under the repeated attacks. 
At the end of a week he was too ill to continue 
the ceaseless and now hopeless tramp that took him 
nowhere. 

His food had given out; and he had no desire to eat 
even if there had been food in abundance. His one 
thought was of companionship; with someone near 
him the whole frightful experience would not be so 
hard to bear—even if it came to the worst. But alone, 
with only the gloomy forest and its furtive wild folk 
about him, it was terrifying. His thoughts wandered 
to far-off things, especially to those he had insisted 
on leaving back at home. Then he remembered his 
enthusiasm when first he had seen the Amazonian 
jungle from the deck of the steamer. It had seemed 
to challenge him; he remembered that distinctly. 
‘^Come if you dare,’^ it had said, ‘^and I will overwhelm 
you.” 

Full of confidence in his own ability he had accepted 
the bold defiance hurled at him by the mystery- 
enshrouded walls of green. He had lost, but he had 
only himself to blame. 

Not a word of complaint escaped his lips. While 
there was life there was hope; he would sleep a while, 
if possible, or at any rate rest for a time. Then he 


166 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


would take up the fight anew. His head would be 
clearer and some way was bound to occur to him that 
would get him out of the difficulty. 

Oblivion came quickly—too quickly, in fact, to por¬ 
tend anything of a wholesome nature; and for an hour 
he lay quiet as death. He was awakened from his 
stupor by fiery stings in one hand that had been 
stretched out far from his body. He drew it toward 
him and raised it unsteadily to see what was causing 
the pain. Several large, black ants were clinging to 
it, their vise-like mandibles embedded deeply in his 
skin. With a great effort he tore away the ferocious 
insects and raised himself on his elbows. What he 
saw caused a cry of horror to escape his lips. 

An ant army, the most relentless of all the creatures 
that infest the tropical forest, was approaching. Al¬ 
ready the leading files had discovered him; some had 
attacked without delay, while others had hurried back 
to the main column to convey the news of their find. 

David summoned all the strength at his command 
in an effort to rise to his feet. But the exertion was 
in vain, and after several futile attempts he knew that 
escape was impossible. However, he might ward off 
the end if- 

Slowly and laboriously he tried rolling over the 
ground. It was hard work, but finally he succeeded 
in making a complete turn. A pause for rest, then 
another turn and a distance of nearly three yards had 
been gained on the avalanche of ants that was sweep¬ 
ing towards him. Perhaps he could evade the insati¬ 
able horde after all; but when he struggled to roll 



ADRIFT IN THE FOREST 


167 


again it seemed that his last chance had vanished, for 
directly in his path was an obstacle he could not sur¬ 
mount in the form of a fallen tree that blocked all 
progress for a distance of fifty feet each way. 

The realization that escape was cut off in the one 
direction that had seemed open came as a dishearten¬ 
ing shock. He lay back limp and helpless; to his ears 
came the sound of the insects swarming over the dry 
leaves, like the patter of a shower of rain. His brain 
reeled and the blood roared in his veins. In despera¬ 
tion he covered his face with his hands. 

^‘Lord,^’ he prayed, ^T’m not blaming anybody but 
myself for getting into this, but if I get out of it IT 
know You helped.” 


CHAPTER XIV 


THE RESCUE FROM THE ANT ARMY 

When David failed to return to camp at the usual 
time little was thought of it by those who noticed his 
absence. It was not until the foreman came 
around on his daily tour of inspection of the smoke¬ 
houses that mention was made of it. It was then past 
mid-afternoon. 

^Wou, Mariano, go to the dormitorio to see if he is 
there,he said. ^‘He may be sick.’^ 

Mariano dropped his work and hurried out. Soon 
he returned. 

^^He is not there,^’ he said, “and the cook said he has 
not come in yet. He’s been waiting for him.” 

“Wonder what’s keeping him,” the foreman said 
uneasily. “Did he say anything to anybody this morn¬ 
ing about going farther than usual?” 

A chorus of “No, Senhor,” and “Not to me” came 
in response to the inquiry. 

The chief bit his lip. 

“I’ll be back soon,” he said. “If he comes let me 
know at once. Don’t go away when you are through 
with your work. I may need all of you.” 

A half hour passed and still there was no sign of the 
missing David. The foreman came in—visibly agi¬ 
tated. 


168 


THE RESCUE FROM THE ANT ARMY 169 

“Get ready, every last one of you,^’ he ordered. 
“Either the boy is lost or met with some accident. 
You must find him. Shout as you go and those of 
you who have guns fire them. Scatter out far and 
wide over the country. Those of you who find or see 
nothing come back after dark. I will pay twenty-five 
milreis to the man who finds him or brings back the 
first news of him. Now get your bottles; the cook will 
fill them with coffee and give you each a package of 
food. Then hurry away up the trail.^’ 

The men departed immediately to do as they were 
directed. Not long after, they filed into the forest, 
alert for any sign or clue that would be of value to 
them in looking for the missing man. From time to 
time some of them branched off the main path until 
they had spread out in a fan-shaped formation that 
combed the forest in a thorough manner so far as it 
went. They kept calling and occasionally there was 
the report of a gun. 

Before long, however, they were out of hearing of 
one another. Therefore, it was not until long after 
dark, when the last man had straggled back into camp, 
that they knew that the search had been fruitless. 

The new trail that David had started that morning 
had been discovered, but darkness had come before it 
could be followed to its end; and they brought back 
the empty pail—nothing more. 

The uneasiness of mid-afternoon now gave way to 
consternation. A hundred explanations were forth¬ 
coming to account for his disappearance. Everyone 
seemed greatly concerned, but most of all Dom Carlos, 


170 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

the camp foreman. From the obscure position of 
^'nobody’' David had suddenly risen to be the most 
important person in the outfit. In contrast to the 
aloofness with which he had still been regarded by 
a few of the men, they now all joined in extolling his 
courage and good qualities and pledged themselves 
that he must be found at all hazards. The monetary 
reward was tripled to give further impetus to their 
efforts. 

Six men were sent out immediately after supper to 
light fires in the jungle and to keep them blazing all 
night, to serve as beacons in the event that the wan¬ 
derer should be trying to find his way in the darkness. 
They went in pairs and followed widely diverging 
trails. And when they returned at dawn the others 
who had slept in camp started out, this time, however, 
spreading in all directions to cover so much of the 
country as possible. 

Foremost among the searchers was Miguel. He had 
not fully recovered from his encounter with the croco¬ 
dile; his foot still pained him at times; but, thanks to 
David’s ministrations, he had the use of it to a con¬ 
siderable extent. It was he who had found the new 
trail and had followed it until darkness made it 
impossible to go farther the previous evening. He had 
returned the pail and collected the first reward. And 
now he was determined to take up the search where 
he had been compelled to drop it. 

The men had been told to carry food for one day 
only and to come back that night. But the stock of 
provisions on Miguel’s back was sufficient for three 


THE RESCUE FROM THE ANT ARMY 171 

days; and, having no gun, he carried his bow and a 
dozen arrows in his pack. 

The grim expression on his face plainly showed that 
he was determined to find David; he owed him a debt 
of gratitude he could scarcely repay in any other 
manner, but, unfortunately, he had never thought of 
it in that light. What he did think of and looked 
forward to was a meeting in some far-off spot where 
he would have the opportunity to settle old scores, 
safe from the prying eyes of others. 

Alone in the towering forest, with only the silent 
trees as witnesses, it would be easy to dispose of the 
one obstacle that stood between him and complete 
leadership of the men. Once before, when the oppor¬ 
tunity had been within his grasp, fate had intervened 
to rob him of his victory; that was when the crocodile 
had attacked him instead of David after the latter had 
entered the water. Now, he had all the advantage. 
Better for David that he remain forever lost in the 
forest than be found by the vengeful Miguel. 

The first day passed rapidly, for a man hunt was 
a new experience and it was a fascinating occupation. 
He scanned the forest floor, the tree-trunks, and the 
lower growth for any traces that would aid him in his 
search. 

On the second afternoon Miguel found the fire where 
David had roasted the armadillo. That encouraged 
him. He was on the right track. And he redoubled 
his efforts, as does the hound when the scent grows 
{iQtter. His eyes glowed with a strange fire at the 


172 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

thought that he might at any moment catch sight of 
his quarry. 

David had learned the truth of the saying that bad 
luck is apt to grow worse; Miguel had never even 
heard it, but that did not exempt him from its appli¬ 
cation. What both had yet to learn was that luck, 
particularly bad luck, was only too often the result of 
some act for which they were fully responsible. The 
beating Miguel had received and the narrowly avoided 
drowning had been bad enough; but worse was to 
come. 

He awoke on the third morning to discover that his 
remaining food supply had disappeared during the 
night, and the completeness with which it had van¬ 
ished made it evident that a colony of ants had done 
the work. That was exasperating, but there was game 
to be shot with arrows, so the situation was not 
serious. 

After that came the realization that the search was 
extending over a wider territory and greater period of 
time than he had expected. And he began to wonder 
if he should find David, after all. 

It was that night, however, that he felt the merciless 
judgment of the forest in all the impartial rigor which 
was its law. Those who sought to ferret out its secrets 
must pay the penalty and Miguel was no exception. 

It swooped down upon him in the same guise it had 
assumed when it fell upon David, and while his teeth 
beat a tattoo, or as the hot blood coursed throbbingly 
through his veins, he began to comprehend the seri- 


/ 


THE RESCUE FROM THE ANT ARMY 173 


ousness of the mission on which he had embarked, and 
to wonder if the purpose was worth the cost. 

The fever ran its usual course. Miguel wandered 
about in a dazed condition and when there was finally 
a lull in the onslaught he found himself in an unenvi¬ 
able predicament. He too was lost, and for the first 
time in his life. 

With that realization came the feeling of utter 
loneliness. Never before had he felt so completely 
forsaken, so bewildered, so hopeless. He longed for 
the sound of a voice, a glimpse of a friendly face, or 
the touch of a sympathetic hand. 

It was terrible, this being lost and alone in the 
silent, heartless jungle that gave no quarter, that knew 
not the words pity or mercy. Gaunt spectres rose on 
every side; hideous naked Indians pierced him through 
with their poisoned darts; serpents struck with en¬ 
venomed fangs; and jaguars of enormous size crouched 
behind each tree-trunk for the fatal spring. 

It had always been thus. It would always be thus. 
The fever-crazed brain of a lone man, lost in the trop¬ 
ical jungle, could conjure pictures without end. 

As the days passed Miguehs desperation increased. 
All thoughts of malevolence vanished. If he found 
David now he would rush to him joyfully. It would 
mean companionship, perhaps even salvation. Any¬ 
thing, anyone to banish the horror of a living death 
alone in the treacherous forest. 

It was at this point that Miguel heard the twitter¬ 
ing of the ant wrens, and well he knew what their 
excited cries meant. They had discovered an ant army 


I 


174 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


on the march and had gathered in numbers to profit 
by the marauders’ depredations. 

The sound of their calls, even if they were only 
birds, came as a blessed relief to the man driven fran¬ 
tic by the breathless silence of the forest. To see, to 
be near any living thing, would be infinitely better 
than the dread loneliness. He would go toward the 
chorus of voices that his fever-dulled brain pictured 
as possible saviors of his reason. 

Before long he reached the far-flung lines of ants 
that served as scouts on the flanks of the main army. 
The organization and discipline of the insects was as 
wonderful as it was terrible to the victims, for it pre¬ 
cluded all possibility of escape. 

Miguel stopped to look at the black ribbons flowing 
over the forest floor. Thin lines branched off from 
the main arteries every few yards; these explored each 
leaf and crevice, ascending even to the tops of the 
tallest trees in their insatiable quest of victims. 

In front of the sweeping mass and on both sides was 
a horde of terror-stricken creeping, crawling and hop¬ 
ping creatures making frantic efforts to escape from 
inevitable doom. There were rhinoceros beetles with 
huge antler-like growths on their fore-bodies; centi¬ 
pedes eight inches long; scorpions wildly lashing their 
tails armed with poisonous curved stings; great hairy 
tarantulas, wood frogs, and many other living things. 
Some crawled to the topmost branches of the lower 
undergrowth of ferns and like vegetation and remained 
there motionless during a brief respite; but they were 
always discovered and routed by the ants. Others fled 


THE RESCUE FROM THE ANT ARMY 175 


precipitately up the tree-trunks; and still others came 
out of their hiding-places only to curl up sullenly and 
to await the end. 

Suddenly the ant army divided. Scouts had in some 
mysterious manner brought back the intelligence of 
an unusual find and the main column had promptly 
responded with reinforcements. Miguel saw and under¬ 
stood. At the same time, the ant birds that had first 
attracted his attention set up a furious chatter. Here 
was the opportunity to see something of an unusual 
nature. 

Miguel crawled upon a great prostrate tree-trunk 
in order to have a better view of what was going on. 
It was toward this log that the ants were rushing in 
a black sheet. And it was there the birds were scolding 
in anguish. 

About the first thing Miguel saw when he attained 
the top of the log was the body of a man lying on 
the ground as if dead. The hands covered the face 
so that he could not see it, but he recognized the cloth¬ 
ing and knew that it could belong to none other than 
David Jones. 

*'Camarada!” he cried, at the same time dropping 
down beside the motionless figure. 'Tt is I, Miguel, 
who have found you. Por dios, and just in time.” 

It required all his depleted strength to raise David 
to his feet; then he took the limp form in his arms 
and slowly carried it to safety—out of reach of the 
ravenous horde that sensed the intrusion and sent 
skirmishing lines dashing in all directions in frantic 


176 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

efforts to locate the prize so suddenly snatched from 
its grasp. 

David opened his eyes slowly. When he saw the 
man who had just deposited him on the ground, puff¬ 
ing hard from his exertion, he stared in amazement. 
Then the remembrance of something dreadful came 
back to him in a flash. He weakly raised his arms and 
placed his hands over his face. 

^Dh, the ants, the ants,^^ he moaned. “They are all 
over me. I can feel their bites—they are killing me 
and—I canT get away. I canT get over the log.” 

“No, they’re not,” Miguel panted, trying to soothe 
him. “You are safe now. I will not let them get you. 
Look, there isn’t one on you; they’re far away, on the 
other side of the log, and I’ll carry you farther before 
they come near here.” 

“But I can feel them, on my hands and face—every¬ 
where,” David persisted. 

“Sh!” Miguel said. “Keep quiet and everything 
will be all right.” 

It was some time before the delirious man could be 
calmed. But Miguel finally succeeded in reassuring 
him that the danger that had threatened was now 
past, and with the realization that he was safe from 
the ants came a measure of strength. 

“I was sure something would happen—someone 
would find me before they got to me,” David said 
faintly after a while. Miguel had propped him up 
against the base of a tree while he plucked and pre¬ 
pared to roast a mutum that looked like a good-sized 
turkey; he had just shot the bird in the tree right 


THE RESCUE FROM THE ANT ARMY 177 


over their heads. “I never gave up hope and, Miguel, 
I^m glad it was you who found me.’^ 

“Me?” in surprise. “Why did you want me to find 
you?” 

“I donT know. I just wanted it to be you—maybe 
just to prove to the others that we could be good 
friends if it came down to rock bottom.” 

“Umph!” Miguehs thoughts were travelling in 
strange channels. He felt queer as he thought of the 
purpose he had in mind when he started on the long 
search. What if he had found David the first few 
days after leaving camp? 

“I^m glad I found you, too, when I did,” he said. 
“But neither one of us has anything much to be glad 
about.” 

“What do you mean? I feel better already. And 
I^m hungry. We can start back tomorrow if I can eat 
as much of that bird as I think I can. They told me 
that you’re the best bushman in the crowd, so we’ll 
take a short cut back to camp,” David said confidently. 

“That’s just it! I didn’t want to tell you right away, 
but now I can’t help it. We can’t start back to camp 
because—^because—” Miguel hesitated as if reluctant 
to proceed. “We can’t start back because I’m lost, 
too.” 


CHAPTER XV 


THE CHARGE OF THE INDIANS 

When Miguel admitted that he, too, was lost, the 
intelligence came as a great shock to David. One of 
his first thoughts upon seeing his rescuer was that 
at last his aimless, heart-breaking wanderings in the 
forest had come to an end. The walk back to camp 
might be of several days’ duration, but that did not 
matter. It made a difference whether one was walk¬ 
ing in hopeless desperation because there was nothing 
else to do, or whether there was a definite goal to reach 
and one had the assurance of being on the right track. 
Now they were little better off than before. However, 
he suppressed the bitter disappointment he felt and 
tried to smile. 

‘^How did that happen?” he asked. ‘T thought you 
couldn’t lose your way.” 

‘Tt was the fever,” Miguel said dejectedly. “Before 
that I knew where I was every minute of the time. 
Now I can’t remember how I got here or how many 
days I spent wandering around before my head 
cleared.” 

“Well, the two of us together ought to find some 
way of getting out—when I’m able to travel. And 
it’s better than being all alone.” 


178 


THE CHARGE OF THE INDIANS 179 

“Yes, the lonesomeness nearly drove me crazy. It 
was terrible. It was the one thing I couldnT stand. 
Fever, hunger—anything but that.’^ 

Miguel turned the bird, which had been impaled 
on a stick, and when it had browned to a uniform 
color on all sides he brought it to the tree where David 
sat and stuck the stick into the ground. They cut off 
pieces of the tender flesh with their knives, but David’s 
appetite was not nearly so good as he had thought, 
while the absence of salt robbed the meat of much of 
its flavor. 

“I could open one of the cartridges in my revolver,” 
he said, “and use the powder for salt; but we might 
need it more to shoot with before we get out of this.” 

Miguel agreed that they had better save the ammu¬ 
nition for the purpose for which it was intended. 

“How do you feel now?” he asked. 

“I knew I’d feel better, and I do,” David replied. 
“But the fever left me all wrung out like a wet rag. 
Wish we had some quinine!” 

“Quinine is good, but guanabara is better. The root 
grows in the forest. I hunted for it every day but 
couldnT And it. I’ll look again. Maybe there is some 
near here. But first we need a shelter. We have to 
stay here a few days at least. You are too weak to 
walk far. I’ll build a place to sleep first and then I’ll 
go in search of the medicine.” 

David wanted to help in the construction of their 
shelter, but that, of course, was out of the question. 
Even the sitting posture had tired him so much that 
he slid to the ground, where he lay watching Miguel 


180 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


as he proceeded to erect the structure that was to 
house them until they should resume their wandering. 

First he cut stout poles and fastened them to either 
side of two thick trees that stood about ten feet apart, 
by tying them to the trunks with strips of bark. Then 
he fastened cross-pieces to the poles, thus making a 
platform that was shoulder high above the ground. 
He piled dry palm leaves on this for a bed. * After that 
he fastened two other poles a few feet above the plat¬ 
form and covered them with green palm leaves that 
hung down far over the sides, forming a roof. 

The work required only a short time and the shelter 
that had been provided was entirely practicable and 
serviceable. Miguel surveyed it proudly as he ex¬ 
plained its good points. 

‘Tt’s up high enough to be out of reach of snakes, 
scorpions, spiders and most of the mosquitoes; they 
all like to stay close to the ground. And if it should 
happen to rain, the roof will keep us dry,’’ he said. 

David replied that he thought it was fine and would 
like to try it. The springy platform with the thick 
layer of dry leaves would be more comfortable than 
the hard ground. 

Miguel helped him into the aerial perch and then 
went to hunt for the guanabara root that would cure 
them both of the fever. He did not return until shortly 
before dark, and then it was only to report failure. 
However, he would go again the following morning. 

After the Brazilian, too, had climbed into the plat¬ 
form bed the two lay awake and talked far into the 
night. One plan after another of escape from their 


THE CHARGE OF THE INDIANS 181 


predicament was discussed, and finally sleep overtook 
them before anything definite had been decided on. 

The next day found both greatly refreshed, although 
David was still too ill to stand without assistance. 
But the change that had come over Miguel was re¬ 
markable; he cared for his companion in the best way 
he knew how and was most solicitous for his welfare. 

They ate pieces of the bird left from the previous 
night and then the Brazilian again went to look for 
the medicinal root. This time he was successful. He 
came back shortly before noon and announced his 
arrival with a shout of triumph. 

“Here it is at last,” he called as David peered out 
from under the ragged palm-leaf roof. “Look! It is 
the guanabara. It will cure your fever and mine. 
Thank dios, I found it!” 

Miguel held several fleshy roots in his hand. They 
resembled slender sweet potatoes, but were of a bluish 
color. 

“Let me have one,” David said feebly. “I’d eat 
anything to get rid of this awful feeling.” 

“Wait! You can’t eat it raw, because it’s deadly 
poison that way. It has to be fixed first. Watch me. 
Some time you might have to do it when you’re alone.” 

He laid a broad, green leaf on the ground and then 
scraped the roots with his knife until they had been 
reduced to a heap of pulp. He took the mass in his 
hands and pressed out the surplus juice, leaving a ball 
of doughy material; this was tossed into the fire and 
turned with a stick until it had baked thoroughly and 
evenly all around. When it had assumed a black color, 


182 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

which was in half an hour, he pronounced it ready 
for use. 

Miguel now brought water in a folded leaf and 
scraped some of the medicine into it, and gave it to 
David to drink. When the particles dissolved they 
turned the water red, but the concoction was tasteless. 

They drank the guanabara each hour, and before 
many doses had been taken its effect began to make 
itself felt. It was bracing, even stimulating, and all 
symptoms of malaria vanished as if by magic. Within 
two days David was able to accompany Miguel on his 
daily hunt for food. 

Fortunately, they were now in a section of the coun¬ 
try where game was not wanting. That indicated that 
they must be near a large river, for in the dry season 
the animals were always more abundant in a strip 
several miles wide bordering the larger streams. 

^WeT get a good supply of food; then we’ll hunt the 
river. If we can locate it we can get out,” Miguel said 
as they started on their tramp through the forest. 

^Will we follow the river?” David asked. 

'^No. We’ll make a raft out of bamboo and float 
down.” 

guess our luck has changed at last. Soon we’ll 
be back in camp.” 

‘We have to find the river first. When we have 
found it, who knows where it will take us to? It might 
take us right back to camp, or many leagues away 
from it.” 

Miguel had his bow and a number of arrows. David 
was following close behind him; it was his duty to 


THE CHARGE OF THE INDIANS 183 

mark their trail by snapping twigs as they went along. 
Their shelter was too comfortable to lose so long as 
they remained in the locality. 

Before long they came upon a flock of four large 
black birds feeding in the top of a tree. They were 
like the one Miguel had shot right after finding David, 
and moved about heavily as they fed on the fruits that 
grew on the branches. 

The Brazilian took careful aim and released the cord 
of the bow. There was a sharp snap and the arrow 
sped whining through the air. Just before reaching 
the bird the shaft struck one of the numerous limbs 
a glancing blow; that was sufficient to deflect the 
missile from its path and it passed the mark by a 
goodly margin and continued its flight up above the 
trees and out of sight. 

The birds were not frightened, but continued eating 
as if they had not noticed anything of an unusual 
nature in their midst. This was fortunate, for it per¬ 
mitted Miguel to take a second shot; this time the 
arrow found its mark and a great mutum fell crashing 
to the ground while the other three flew away. 

The bird was dead when they reached it. They 
removed the arrow carefully and then went to look 
for the first one that had been shot and gone astray, 
for they had only a limited number and the time might 
come when every one of them counted. 

David thought the task of looking for the slender 
shaft in the thick jungle was hopeless, but Miguel 
assured him that he had marked its course as it soared 
over the trees. 


184 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


“You see/’ he added, “each one has a few bright- 
colored feathers on the end in addition to the black 
ones that make it fly straight/^ 

“Yes, I see them. You put them there for orna¬ 
ments, I know.’’ 

“No, they are not ornaments. They are put there 
as markers. Look! There is the lost one now.” 

David saw what looked like a brilliant flower among 
the deep tints of the undergrowth. It was the arrow 
sticking in the ground where it had fallen; the red 
feather made it conspicuous among the green vegeta¬ 
tion. They recovered it and replaced it in the pack. 

A short time later they were startled by a chorus 
of “Oh’s” that came from the treetops not far ahead. 
The wails came in a rising crescendo, as if their makers 
were suffering intense pain or were in great fear. 

“Flying monkeys,” Miguel announced gleefully as 
he started on a run toward the sound. David followed 
and soon saw the cause of the disturbance in the form 
of small, grayish bodies hurtling through space is if 
indeed flying. 

The monkeys were leaping from tree to tree and 
swinging through the branches at an incredible rate 
of speed. When they jumped, the boughs sprang back 
into place with a swish and the creatures landed with 
a thud, keeping the treetops bending and swaying as 
in a heavy wind. All the while they shrieked “Oh, 
oh, oh!” at the top of their voices. 

Miguel sent an arrow after the fleeing animals and 
by a lucky circumstance brought down one of them. 
It was unlike any monkey David had ever seen, with 


THE CHARGE OF THE INDIANS 185 


a round head and a body like a very large cat^s. The 
tail was long and bushy. 

They returned to the shelter and while the meat was 
roasting determined to start away early the following 
morning. They agreed that the rubber camp must be 
in a southeasterly direction from their position and 
they would therefore head that way, which was also 
the direction in which they hoped to find the river. 
It was true, the jungle was heaviest and progress 
would be slower; but, also, game was more abundant, 
and if they discovered the waterway it would save 
them days of walking in the end. If their calculations 
were correct the stream might even turn out to be a 
branch of the river on which the camp was situated. 

The forest changed considerably in character as they 
advanced through it. Palms grew more abundantly 
than before and occasionally they saw a clump of 
orchids perched high overhead with sprays of gorgeous 
blossoms that drooped from among the leathery foliage 
like yard-long, brilliant plumes. 

David had just stopped to look at an exceptional 
cluster the size of a tub and with panicles of deep 
orange flowers resembling a hundred gorgeous butter¬ 
flies. Miguel stopped at the same time and laid a 
warning finger on his companion's arm. He was star¬ 
ing straight ahead and, looking in that direction, David 
saw a dark form shaped like a cow silently appear 
from behind a clump of low palms. So soon as it was 
in full view it stopped, turned and faced its back trail, 
raised its head and sniffed the air. It had a very long 
nose that moved up and down as it drew short breaths. 


186 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


Then it turned quickly and faced at right angles to 
its previous position. At about the same time a volley 
of arrows struck the animal with a crash and as it 
staggered away a chorus of wild yells rent the air and a 
number of Indians rushed into view. 

Miguel dropped to the ground the instant the arrows 
struck the tapir and David was not long in following 
his example. They were just in time and for the 
moment the Indians did not see them. 

The stricken animal lurched forward only a few 
yards before it crumpled and fell in a heap, and soon 
the savages were upon it, dispatching it with clubs 
and spears. 

That was the one opportunity that the white men 
must not lose if they hoped to escape with their lives, 
for in the excitement of the moment the Indians would 
not notice their movements. 

Miguel began to crawl stealthily toward a nearby 
clump of thorny bamboo, David following at his heels, 
and not until they reached the inside of the dense 
growth did they breathe a sigh of relief. 

The Indians continued giving their wild calls, as if 
signalling to other members of their party, and before 
long numbers of them began to come in from various 
directions. They came singly and in groups and still 
the yelling continued. 

They were a savage-looking lot, entirely nude save 
only for necklaces of teeth and sticks tufted with 
feathers that they wore through large perforations in 
their ears. Their brown bodies were painted in irregu¬ 
lar lines and dots of black, dark blue and red. 


THE CHARGE OF THE INDIANS 187 


Each carried a bow and a number of arrows in his 
hands. Some also had long-handled spears and sword¬ 
like weapons made of tough palmwood. 

Several of the savages began to skin and cut up the 
tapir while others went to gather firewood. First, how¬ 
ever, each man disposed of his arms by sticking them 
into the ground in a little cluster; that prevented the 
possibility of their being stepped upon and broken. 

‘‘They are going to camp here for the night,’^ Miguel 
whispered. “We’ll have to stay here until they leave.” 

“That suits me. We can watch them but they can’t 
see us,” David replied. He was glad of the opportunity 
of seeing the Indians engaged in their pursuits in a 
natural manner, unconscious of the fact that they were 
being observed. 

“We’ll be all right so long as they don’t see us. We 
have to keep absolutely still.” 

“Suppose they look in here through the hole by 
which we came in? Let’s close it!” David suggested. 

“Yes,” Miguel agreed. “We must close it or one 
of them might happen to glance in.” 

They pulled the thorn-covered branches together, 
very slowly and carefully, until the opening was com¬ 
pletely blocked. They were now secure from discovery 
so long as they remained quiet. As he thought of this 
David also thought of the innumerable things that 
could happen to call attention to their hiding-place. 
Suppose one of them had to cough or sneeze; or what 
if a scorpion, tarantula or snake should creep in to 
dispute their quarters with them? He dared not think 
further along these lines. 


188 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

The Indians had started a fire by rubbing together 
two sticks until they glowed, then applying them to 
dry leaves and blowing the heap into a blaze. Then 
they piled on wood and before long the roaring flames 
were leaping high into the air. The carcass of the 
tapir had been hacked into pieces; some of the chunks 
of meat were now thrown upon the fire to roast. 

‘‘They belong to the Parintintin tribe/^ Miguel said 
as he watched them. “They are headhunters. They 
are the ones who attack the rubber camp at times. 
But they haven’t bothered it lately, because they were 
beaten badly in the last fight. But this may be a war 
party going there again.” 

“What made Dom Carlos tell Rice, then, that 
the Indians were killing all the men?” David asked 
quickly. 

Miguel looked confused for a moment. “He, he— 
meant others, not these,” he stammered. 

David gave him a sharp look. 

“Oh, I see,” he said and resumed watching the antics 
of the mob before him. 

“Here is our chance to get more arrows,” David said 
suddenly. Several of the savages had placed their 
weapons in the ground beside their place of conceal¬ 
ment. “Do you need any more?” 

“No!” Miguel was horror-stricken. “Don’t touch 
them. They would miss them and then find us.” 

“Well, I won’t take any, then, but I’m going to have 
some fun. Wait until it’s dark,” David whispered with 
a chuckle. 

By the time night had fallen some of the meat had 


THE CHARGE OF THE INDIANS 189 


been charred to the desired degree and the Indians 
raked it out with long poles; after it had cooled some¬ 
what they tore off strips and began to eat. So soon 
as one chunk was taken from the embers a new one was 
thrown into them. And all the time individuals were 
coming and going, collecting fuel or engaged in other 
enterprises. 

The scene was a weird yet fascinating one. The 
lithe savages, outlined against the glare of the fire; 
the flickering light playing on their bare skin; the dark 
tree-trunks; and beyond all this the inky blackness of 
night, made a picture never to be forgotten. It was 
one of those things suggested by the sombre, mys¬ 
terious, silent jungle when viewed from the open 
reaches of a great river, but which was forever veiled 
to those who lacked the trepidity to penetrate into 
its depths. 

The two dared not leave their cover for fear of run¬ 
ning into some of the prowling savages. But when it 
seemed that all of them were busily engaged in con¬ 
suming as much of the charred meat as possible David 
worked his way carefully to the edge of the barrier 
and reaching through it removed two arrows from one 
of the clusters and placed them in another one; then 
he took two from the latter one and inserted them in 
the first group to replace the ones he had taken away. 
Miguel was badly frightened at this action and tried 
to prevent it. 

want to see what will happen when they discover 
the exchange,’’ David whispered. ‘Tt can’t do any 
harm.” 


190 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


Scarcely had he crawled back to the center of the 
bamboo screen when pandemonium broke loose around 
the fire. 

The group had just been joined by one of the tribes¬ 
men, who rushed into the circle of light, talking and 
gesticulating wildly. 

told you; I told you not to do it,^’ Miguel gasped 
in terror. ^^He saw you and he’s telling them about it.” 

“Look!” David, too, was trembling. The speaker 
was pointing their way and the others were looking 
in their direction, as if trying to pierce the blackness 
with their eyes. 

In a moment every man was on his feet and rushing 
toward his bow and arrows. 

The fire and the food were forgotten. The clamor 
of voices was stilled. Only one thought was upper¬ 
most in the mind of each Indian and that was to get 
hold of his weapons before the passing of another 
second. 


CHAPTER XVI 


THE BATTLE IN THE JUNGLE 

The thing that had happened to end the feast of 
the Parintintins so abruptly was that a scout, of which 
each party always kept numbers on its outskirts, had 
rushed into their midst with news of a startling char¬ 
acter. He had discovered the approach of a war party 
of another tribe which doubtless had been dogging 
their steps all day long and were now forming for the 
attack. 

Warfare among the tribes of the Amazon is as 
unceasing as it is merciless. Each, in attempts to 
extend the boundaries of its territory or hunting- 
grounds, looks with suspicion and resentment upon its 
neighbors and by every means known to it tries to 
exterminate, or at least reduce in numbers the populace 
around it, thereby increasing its own measure of safety 
as well as its food supply. 

It may, or it may not have been fortunate for the 
two cowering in the clump of thorny bamboo that the 
attack came when it did, for in the intense excitement 
that prevailed those of the savages who had time, flew 
to their arms and gathered them up in one swoop; so 
the interchange was not noticed. Then the dusky 

191 


192 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


forms darted into the darkness that surrounded the 
firelight like an impenetrable wall. 

But before the last one had disappeared from view 
there burst upon the silent night a chorus of cries and 
screams accompanied by the deep beats of drums; and 
at the same instant a deluge of arrows hissed and 
whined through the air in pursuit of the fleeing figures. 

The arrows rattled about the clump of bamboo in 
which the two men were hiding. Soon after, a line of 
howling savages charged out of the darkness, flitted 
through the lighted area and disappeared again in the 
gloom on the other side of the fire. 

David drew his revolver and held it ready for action, 
for the first time since Miguel had found him. He had 
saved the few precious cartridges he possessed for the 
time when it might be necessary to defend their lives 
and that time, he thought, had arrived. But the 
swarm of Indians swept past them all unaware of 
their presence. How the savages could see in the 
darkness was beyond his ability to explain; but see 
they did, or otherwise they soon should have killed 
themselves by colliding with the trees and many other 
obstructions in the forest. 

The pursuit continued far beyond, as was evidenced 
by the shouts that grew constantly fainter and then 
died in the distance. The Parintintins had been routed 
completely and many of them had probably perished 
in the unexpected assault; the survivors, doubtless, 
were scattered hopelessly and were either in hiding or 
fleeing for their lives. 

^^We^d better get away from here,’^ David whispered, 


THE BATTLE IN THE JUNGLE 


193 


^^but they went right in the direction we want to go/^ 

‘‘Don^t be in too big a hurry/’ Miguel admonished 
him. ‘^The forest is full of Indians. I know them. 
There are some of them right around us here. We 
can’t leave until we’re sure all have gone.” 

The wisdom of his words was demonstrated a mo¬ 
ment later, when a shadowy form flitted out of the 
night and made for one of the clusters of arrows that 
had been deserted when the charge came. He had 
hardly reached the spot when there came the snarl 
of an arrow, followed by a dull thud, and the Indian 
pitched headlong to the ground. 

“ It was as Miguel had said. Unseen eyes were 
watching the fire in anticipation of the return of some 
of the routed savages for their effects. But greatly to 
the relief of the onlookers, no others came. 

After an hour’s nerve-racking silence the crackling 
of twigs told of the return of the victorious party and 
presently the vanguard, in small groups, came into 
view. They were talking and gesticulating wildly; 
then half a dozen others who had acted as sentinels 
around the fire joined them. Soon more came until 
there must have been over a hundred. 

They piled wood on the fire until they had a blaze 
roaring toward the tree tops, while a train of sparks, 
like miniature comets, soared high above the forest. 
That served as a signal to announce victory, and after 
a short time a group of women and children appeared 
out of the jungle and joined the warriors. The women 
carried baskets on their backs; they were filled with 
calabashes, and packages wrapped in green leaves. 


194 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


When all had arrived the celebration of the victory 
began. The remainder of the tapir was placed in the 
fire to roast; bundles were unwrapped, revealing quan¬ 
tities of fish, Brazil nuts, cassava bread and corn. 

The women took full charge of preparing the food, 
the men spending the time in animated conversation 
and argument. 

When the meat was roasted they all sat around the 
fire and ate. Water had been brought in some of the 
calabashes from which they frequently took long 
drinks. 

The two watchers began to think that the eating 
would last all night when one of the Indians sprang 
to his feet and began to gesticulate with his arms. He 
went through the performance of pursuing and slaying 
an enemy in such a graphic way that they could not 
fail to understand his meaning. When he finished 
another jumped up and went through a similar pan¬ 
tomime; and after him, another and then another until 
each of the warriors had demonstrated just how he 
had dealt with at least one Parintintin. 

David felt that if the Indians were telling the truth 
it had gone hard indeed with the pursued; but he sus¬ 
pected that most of the versions were given merely 
for the dramatic effect, because the victors outnum¬ 
bered the vanquished two to one. 

When the last speaker had finished the men started 
a dance around the fire, while the women and children 
withdrew into the background to watch. Some of the 
dancers picked up empty calabashes and beat them 
like drums. All of them shouted at the top of their 


195 


THE BATTLE IN THE JUNGLE 

voices as they leaped about the blaze, the ruddy light 
reflected in flickering patches on their bare, brown 
bodies. 

Day was breaking when the assemblage gradually 
broke up into small groups that lay down on the ground 
to sleep. Only two of the men remained awake near 
the now rapidly dying fire, apparently for the purpose 
of warning the sleepers if there should be a surprise 
attack. 

David and Miguel were in an unenviable predica¬ 
ment. Their limbs ached from long remaining in 
their cramped quarters in the bamboo clump. They 
could not move about and they dared not go to sleep. 
The faintest rustling noise, the slightest movement 
might arouse the Indians and cause an investigation. 
And they knew what discovery would mean. 

It was noon when the first of the sleepers began to 
stir and within a few minutes the whole party was 
moving about. Their actions were now in great con¬ 
trast to those of the early morning. They seemed in 
a hurry to get away. 

The men collected their bows and arrows and the 
women packed the remnants of food and the calabashes 
into their baskets. Then the whole party vanished 
in the forest, heading in the direction in which the 
Parintintins had fled. 

“I thought they were going to stay forever.” David 
sighed with relief. '^Now I can stretch my legs. I’m 
asleep all over, except my head.” 

^^Poll over a few times,” Miguel advised, ^^and you’U 
feel better.” 


196 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

They both did this for a few moments and then 
crawled out into the open. Once on their feet, they 
lost no time in leaving the locality. 

After walking rapidly for an hour, Miguel, who was 
in the lead, stopped suddenly. 

^Xisten,” he said, raising one hand. 

David stopped and listened intently. 

^‘1 hear a faint noise, like a breeze in the tree-tops,^’ 
he said. 

‘^Yes. That’s it. But it’s not wind, it’s water.” 

‘^Yes, it is water. I can hear it better now. It must 
be a big river.” 

^With a high fall in it. Only a great waterfall 
could make such a noise.” 

^What will we do?” David asked. 

^^Go to it. It’s just what we want. We’ll make a 
raft and drift down with the current.” Miguel’s dark 
face lighted up with enthusiasm. ^Tt will be easier 
than having to walk.” 

‘Tirst, let’s eat. I’m almost starved,” David sug¬ 
gested. 

‘‘Me, too. But I’m afraid to start a fire. Better 
wait until we get to the river,” Miguel said appre¬ 
hensively. “There can’t be too much distance between 
the Indians and us to suit me.” 

They tramped on. David was now trailbreaker. 
They took turns at this for the vegetation was growing 
heavier constantly and the leader had to use his knife 
frequently to cut through the sprouts and creepers that 
disputed their way. 

It was after cutting a path through one of the 


197 


THE BATTLE IN THE JUNGLE 

thickets that David caught sight of some living 
creature disappearing among the dense growth. He 
did not know what it was, for the glimpse had been a 
fleeting one, so he stopped to tell Miguel, but before 
he had finished the sentence an arrow tore its way 
through the leaves a few inches on one side of them. 

They needed no further proof to tell them that the 
vanishing form had been that of an Indian. Dashing 
back over their trail they fled in a wide detour of the 
spot and then advanced more cautiously. There was 
no question but that the savage would take up the 
pursuit. And a long, quavering note like that of a 
forest dove that reached their ears was a signal to other 
Indians who must be in the neighborhood. 

A second call, low and plaintive, came in answer to 
the first. It was directly in front of them. They 
dropped into the shadow between two buttressed roots 
of a giant tree just in time to see two nude savages 
appear and make their way stealthily toward the spot 
from which the first one had signalled. 

‘^The forest is full of Indians,^^ Miguel whispered 
when they had disappeared. ‘‘They are calling one 
another for a discussion. Then they will try to catch 
us.’^ 

“Let^s go, then. The bigger the start we have the 
harder it will be for them to find us,’’ David panted. 
“If we stay here they’re sure to catch us.” 

“The river! The river!” Miguel whispered. “We 
must get to the river. Come on.” 

They darted away at a rapid pace, making toward 
the roaring sound that was rapidly growing louder. 


198 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


The going was terrible. Instead of stopping to use 
the knife in clearing a path as before, they crashed 
through the dense clumps of dwarf bamboo, matted 
ferns and thick sprouts. The sharp thorns covering 
some of the growths slashed their clothing into rib¬ 
bons and tore into their flesh; and more than once 
they fell to the ground when creepers, like steel wires, 
encircled their feet and tripped them. 

The cooing voices of the Indians were not far behind 
them. Occasionally they heard the breaking of 
branches and the swishing of the leaves where the pur¬ 
suing savages fought their way through the jungle. 
It was fortunate that the vegetation was so dense that 
they could not be seen and thus afford easy targets for 
the arrows of the forest men. 

‘Tt canT be far now,” Miguel said encouragingly. 
The roar of the water had become so loud that he was 
compelled to shout to make himself heard. 

David was too breathless from his exertions to talk, 
so he nodded his head in assent. They could not hear 
their pursuers now, but there was no doubt about their 
being hot on the trail, which they would not leave 
until the fugitives had been overtaken. 

At last the two fought their way through the last 
living wall of green and stood on the brink of the 
river. They were a sorry sight, bleeding from numer¬ 
ous cuts and bruises, their clothing in shreds, and on 
the point of exhaustion. 

Before them lay a deep gorge through which the 
river, of considerable size, rushed over a bed littered 
with huge boulders. There was no crossing the 


199 


THE BATTLE IN THE JUNGLE 

stream; even a boat would have been short-lived in 
the maelstrom that hissed and boiled a hundred feet 
below them. 

They took in the situation at a glance, and it seemed 
as if they were in a worse dilemma than before. The 
Indians were approaching on one side, cutting off 
retreat, and the river prevented further flight in that 
direction. 

There was no time to ponder the situation. Miguel 
peered over the embankment. Then, beckoning to 
David to follow, he slid over the edge, held to it for a 
moment and let go. 

David looked down just in time to see his compan¬ 
ion stop against a flat rock twenty feet below and in 
a moment he had landed by his side. Then followed 
a second drop into a clump of bushes; it was higher 
than the first but the springy boughs broke the force 
of the fall. 

The remainder of the descent was easier. There 
was a slant to the wall down which they slid to the 
rocks on the very edge of the water. 

A hasty survey of the situation showed that the sides 
of the gorge up-stream were the more precipitous; 
and the pathway on the margin of the seething flood 
was safer, so they started in that direction, clambering 
over the slippery boulders where a misstep meant a 
plunge into the water below. What they sought was 
a place where it would be impossible to be seen from 
above, and when this had been attained they stopped 
to rest. 

Ahead of them was the marvellous spectacle of a 


200 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


cataract dashing over a series of steplike rocks and 
ending in a sheer fall ten feet or more in height. 

The prospect was discouraging in spite of momen¬ 
tary safety. If they should turn downstream they 
would become easy marks for the Indians, who must 
have reached the brink of the gorge by that time; 
up-stream was the wall of roaring water, but toward 
it they went. 

‘^Come,’^ David shouted to Miguel, who was close at 
his heels. want to see the falls and—and—^what’s 
under them.” 

Miguel did not understand the meaning of the words 
but when they were abreast of the curtain of water he 
saw the facts at a glance. 

The falling body of crystal liquid did not, of course, 
hug closely the stone wall over which it rushed. The 
momentum of the water was so great that it carried 
it clear of the ledge a distance of several feet. It was 
just as David had expected, provided- 

He crawled close to the edge of the fall and then 
gave a shout that Miguel heard even above the rumble 
that was all but deafening. 

At the base of any cataract one may find either of 
two things: a deep pool of whirling water or a mass 
of shattered rock fragments that has broken off the 
ledge above and lodged against the base of the wall. 
The latter is what David hoped to find and it is what 
he found. 

A ridge of splintered rock stretched from the edge 
of the water into the mist so far under the fall as they 



THE BATTLE IN THE JUNGLE 201 

could see. If it continued, unbroken, to the other 
side, it would afford a means of crossing the stream. 

David ventured gingerly onto the jagged pathway. 
The stones were cold and wet and he had to crawl on 
hands and knees as there was not headroom to stand. 
So soon as he was well under way Miguel followed. 

It was a terrifying experience, justified only by a 
desperate situation. The sheet of clear water, streaked 
with green, shot over the crouching men with a thun¬ 
derous roar, intensified by the cavity in which they 
found themselves. A cold mist saturated their ragged 
clothing and chilled them through; also, the vapor 
soon shut off their view in the direction from which 
they had come, enveloping them in a clammy fog that 
shut out the daylight. Swallows left their nests that 
had been plastered against the face of the wall and 
dashed away in the gloom with frightened twitters. 
Below, the water raged and boiled and tongues crested 
with foam leaped angrily toward the men as if trying 
to drag them into the cauldron below. 

Once David faltered; it seemed he could go no 
farther. But there was Miguel in back of him. He 
could not retreat and in so doing display a lack of 
courage before his companion. Hope for them lay 
in one direction only and that was straight ahead, even 
if at the same time it seemed to promise certain 
disaster. 

After what seemed like ages the gray twilight in 
front of them brightened and a strong wind fanned 
the face of the foremost man. The end of the perilous 
journey was in sight. And soon they had emerged 


202 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


from under the river and stood on the rocks that 
flanked the side, drenched, cold and shivering. 

“Thank heaven, we got through that all right,” 
David said between chattering teeth. “Do you think 
the Indians will follow?” 

“They would if they knew where we went. We 
have to keep out of sight,” Miguel replied. “But they 
wouldn’t come under the fall; they would go down¬ 
stream and cross.” 

The two were compelled to remain in their present 
position until darkness came, screened from view of 
those on the other side by the clouds of mist that rose 
from the fall. They had an occasional glimpse, how¬ 
ever, of the high bluff across the stream; it was dotted 
with the nude, brown forms of the savages, boldly 
outlined against the deep green vegetation. 

They selected a route that appeared climbable and 
when darkness had fallen, clambered to the top. From 
this position directly across the gorge they saw waving, 
flickering lights like huge fireflies weaving in and out 
among the trees far up and down the river; the Indians 
had lighted torches. They were mystified by the dis¬ 
appearance of the white men. But the search was 
still on and there was not the slightest indication that 
they had any intention of abandoning it. 


I 


CHAPTER XVII 


THE TERROR OF THE ISLAND 

David and Miguel spent the night in the thick 
growth into which they had fought their way upon 
the coming of darkness. Their narrow escape from 
•the savages; the long vigil in the bamboo clump; the 
day and two nights without food; and the uncertainty 
of their present plight, all combined to bring about a 
state of exhaustion that should have induced sleep so 
soon as they became convinced that the pursuit was 
not likely to extend to their side of the river. 

Sleep, however, did not come. The night was cold; 
it was the first warning of the coming change of 
seasons and the two men were numb long before the 
sun rose to dispel the chill gloom that had enveloped 
them. 

Daylight showed their surroundings to be not mater¬ 
ially different from the ones they had just left on the 
other side of the river. There were the same kinds of 
trees, the same matted, thorny undergrowth; but the 
tangle was even denser—more nearly impenetrable. 

^^Let’s start a fire,’’ David said, shaking and trem¬ 
bling with the cold. 

‘‘No,” Miguel answered. His teeth, too, were rat- 

203 


204 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

tling. “Not here, on account of the smoke; the 
Indians would see it” 

“Indians or no Indians, I'm freezing," David pro¬ 
tested. 

“We'll start walking right away. That will warm 
us up. The sun is coming up, too. Soon it will be 
hot." 

They began to battle their way through the thickets 
and before long were perspiring from their exertions. 
The growth was generally so difficult to penetrate that 
they made slow progress. 

In one of the more open places they came upon a 
pair of large forest partridges; they were nearly the 
size of hens. Also they were stupid birds, and after 
Miguel had shot one of them the other remained 
looking at the men in curiosity, until a second arrow 
added it to their bag. 

“We ought to be far below the fall now," David 
suggested. “Let's go to the water; it might be easier 
walking. We can look across first to see if the Indians 
have come down this far." 

Miguel offered no objection, so they made their way 
to the edge of the stream. They waited in hiding for 
some time but saw no sign of the savages. Far up the 
river, however, a cloud of smoke was ascending high 
above the treetops. The brown men of the forest had 
started fires in the hope of driving them out of their 
place of concealment. 

“It's all right," Miguel said, gazing intently at the 
smoke. “They're still over there looking for us. They 


THE TERROR OF THE ISLAND 205 

think we climbed a tree and are trying to smoke us 
out. We can go on.’’ 

The abrupt walls of the gorge on their side of the 
river were breaking down rapidly; on the other side 
they still towered high above the turbulent water. 

Stone and sand terraces replaced the thick jungle 
from which they had just emerged. But the thing 
that puzzled them was that the land seemed to end in 
a point just ahead. There appeared to be water in 
front and on both sides of them. 

Each looked at the other in silent apprehension, 
but not a word was spoken. They hastened down the 
open strip of land to its termination and then their 
fears were verified. 

A roaring rapid surged past on each side and met 
in front to form one broad, even more treacherous 
stream that sped away below. They were on an island. 
With this realization came also the knowledge that 
there was no escape from their present position, for 
no raft could long survive in the maelstrom that sur¬ 
rounded them. 

They could return to the mainland, it is true, by way 
of the precarious path under the fall; but there were 
the Indians to be considered, who would not give up 
the search for days, perhaps, even knowing where the 
fugitives had gone and fully aware of the fact that 
they had to come back the same way or remain 
marooned on the island. 

‘^Let’s cook the birds and eat,” David suggested. 
^T’m almost starved.” 

‘The same here,” Miguel assented. “Then we’ll 


206 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


sleep. I can’t think now. Nothing we can do will 
make the fix we’re in any worse. So let’s eat and 
sleep. Tomorrow is another day.” 

And when the sun was high in the heavens on the 
following day they awoke much refreshed. They fol¬ 
lowed the riverbank, going up-stream on the far side 
of the island, for it had occurred to them that they 
might not be stranded after all. The channel they 
had discovered was perhaps another river instead of 
a branch of the one they had crossed. 

They walked close to the bank, for there the ground 
was open. When they had gone less than a mile, 
farther progress was blocked; they had reached the 
head of what was, after all, an island. 

^Tt is an island, all right,” David said. '‘See where 
the stream divides and one side is as bad as the other.” 

"We have to get off somehow,” Miguel returned, 
"because we can’t use a raft in that water. We have 
to reach the mainland and then walk down below the 
rapids. But how are we going to do it?” 

"I’ll tell you,” David proposed; "how about cross¬ 
ing under the fall at night and slipping down the gorge. 
We can travel after dark and hide in the daytime until 
we’re too far away for the Indians to follow.” 

Miguel, while not enthusiastic over the plan, could 
offer no other to take its place, so they made their 
way to the other side to have a good view of the lay 
of the land and to form their plans accordingly. 

There were now no Indians in sight on the opposite 
bank, nor were there any signs of their presence. 


THE TERROR OF THE ISLAND 207 

Therefore, they clambered down the side of the bluff 
to the edge of the waterfall. 

The water had fallen a great deal since they had 
come across. Instead of the thick stream shooting 
far out over the ledge, there was now a greatly reduced 
volume, so that it fell in a cascade that closely hugged 
the rock wall. The passage underneath the fall was 
closed. Their one avenue of escape to the mainland 
was blocked. 

^‘There^s only one thing to do,’’ Miguel said in dis¬ 
gust, ‘'and that is to make ourselves as comfortable as 
possible until we can think of some way to get off the 
island or until something unexpected happens.” 

David agreed that there was no other course to 
pursue, and the lower end of the island being the more 
open, they decided to make camp there. They cleared 
a small space in the edge of the jungle, cut four sap¬ 
lings for corner-posts and built a rather substantial 
shelter, covered with a layer of palm-leaves on top 
and on all four sides, leaving only one opening for 
a doorway. Bunks were arranged along the walls and 
a fireplace built in front, of stones brought up from the 
riverbank. 

The domicile was designedly of sturdy construction 
for they did not know how long they would be com¬ 
pelled to occupy it. 

Then followed two days devoted to a thorough 
exploration of the island. It was small, not over 
three-quarters of a mile long, and less than a third as 
wide. Birds of many species were abundant and there 
was no difficulty in procuring all the meat that was 


208 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


needed. But there were no mammals of any size; if 
there had been monkeys in the tree-tops, or deer, 
tapirs or peccaries in the forest they soon should have 
found them, or at least seen traces of their presence. 
The turbulent character of the water surrounding them 
accounted for this. The birds, of course, could fly 
across, but no mammal could swim across the barrier 
of agitated water. 

On the second night after they had built the hut, 
David awoke with a start. The awakening was so 
sudden that he felt there must be a reason for it, 
although there was not a sound upon the still, cool 
air. However, a disagreeable odor fllled the room. He 
lay quietly for some minutes with the uncanny feeling 
that he was being watched by some living creature 
and that, too, from no great distance. 

David knew that the best policy under such circum¬ 
stances, was to remain perfectly motionless. A sudden 
move might invite attack. 

As he waited, wondering what could be the cause 
of his presentiment, Miguel suddenly sat up. 

“I canT stand it any longer,” he cried. ^There’s-” 

The sentence remained unflnished. His words were 
drowned by a rustling, creaking noise and the hut 
shook as if about to collapse. A moment later they 
heard the sound of a heavy body rushing away through 
the jungle. 

‘‘Good heavens,” David exclaimed in consternation. 
“What can it be? There are no animals on the island. 
Let’s start a Are.” 

Miguel was so frightened he could hardly move. 



THE TERROR OF THE ISLAND 209 

‘T don't know," he whispered, ^‘unless it is the evil 
one himself." 

‘Tt was something a lot more real than that. But 
what?" David replied. 

They started a fire and remained near it the 
remainder of the night, discussing their strange visitor, 
but reaching no conclusion as to what it could have 
been. 

Daylight revealed the fact that their shelter had 
been badly battered. They searched the ground for 
foot-prints but found none. There was not the slight¬ 
est clue to give any intimation of the solution of the 
mystery. 

After a hasty breakfast, they started on a systematic 
search of the island, cutting a number of straight 
trails across from one side to the other, but still they 
found not the least sign of the presence of an animal 
of any kind. However, Miguel did discover a species 
of palm, the large terminal bud of which was delicious 
eaten raw, and another kind of the same trees which 
gave quantities of white sap or milk of fine flavor; 
they had only to tap it in the fashion of a rubber tree. 
These two articles were a most welcome addition to 
their food supply of meat that had begun to pall. 
Also, they provided the vegetable matter so necessary 
to their well-being. 

That night the men took turns in watching through¬ 
out the hours of darkness, but the nocturnal prowler 
did not return. They supposed, therefore, that they 
had frightened the creature away, whatever it could 


210 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

have been, and this thought afforded them a measure 
of relief. 

tell you what we could do,” David said the 
following morning. ‘We could get material together 
for a raft and start to build it. It will keep us 
occupied and perhaps we can make one strong enough 
to run the rapids without breaking apart.” 

Miguel shook his head. “Impossible,” he said. “No 
raft or boat of any kind could do it. Look at the 
rocks; look at the whirlpools; look at the swift current. 
There might even be more falls below. But we can 
make one anyway. It will keep us busy, and—say, I 
just thought of something. In the rainy season, when 
the water is high, there won’t be any rapids, or at 
least they will be only very mild, and we could use 
the raft then.” 

David could have shouted for joy. Now that 
Miguel had mentioned it, he, too, realized that higher 
water would cover the rocks and obliterate the narrow, 
angry channels between them as well as blot out the 
whirlpools. 

They lost no time in starting to collect material for 
their craft. First, they selected a clump of tall, 
feathery bamboo near the water’s edge and began to 
cut down the stems. Each pole was upward of forty 
feet long and six inches thick; and, as the joints of 
which they were composed were filled with water, they 
had to tap each one to permit the liquid to drain; 
otherwise they would be too heavy to float. The 
afternoon was half over when they began the latter 
task. 


211 


THE TERROR OF THE ISLAND 

^'How about getting something for supper?’' David 
asked. “This job makes me feel as if I could eat a 
dozen partridges.” 

“And me,” Miguel agreed, “and a few palm buds 
and a liter of milk, too.” 

The two started away, stealthily following one of 
the narrow trails they had made and had no difificulty 
in securing a number of the stupid tinamou that were 
so plentiful. To collect the palm buds and milk 
required a greater length of time, and darkness had 
fallen when they retraced their steps to camp. How¬ 
ever, a full moon, high in the heavens, sent soft shafts 
of light through the branches overhead, where the 
jungle was less dense; and when they reached the 
edge of the forest where their camp was located, a 
flood of silvery moonlight met their eyes. 

“Santo Paulo! Our house is gone!” It was 
Miguel’s voice, filled with consternation. He was in 
the lead and had stopped suddenly, hands raised in 
horror at the unexpected sight. 

“Gone?” David pushed forward, incredulous that 
such a thing could have happened. “It can’t be gone 
because there was no wind to blow it away.” 

“But it is gone. Look! Where is it?” Miguel 
was still standing where he had stopped. 

“We must be in the wrong place, but, no, this is 
the spot.” David was puzzled. He approached 
cautiously. 

“It’s been broken down to the ground,” he exclaimed. 
“Somebody or something has been here while we were 
away.” 


212 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


They dared not advance into the clearing where the 
shelter had stood because there was the possibility 
that their marauding visitor was in the neighborhood, 
awaiting their return. But from their position they 
could see that the structure had been crushed to the 
earth and completely wrecked, as if by men or some 
gigantic animal. 

After watching a while they returned to the heavier 
forest to spend the night. 

“I told you it was a spirit,” Miguel insisted, “when 
it visited us that first night. Now do you believe it?” 

“No, I donT.” 

“Then what is it?” 

“I don’t know, but we’ll find out.” 

They rebuilt the hut on the same spot. The island 
was so small that one place was as good as another 
and the old location possessed the advantage of having 
been cleared of underbrush. 

The remainder of the day had been spent collecting 
material for the raft. After the water had drained out 
of the bamboo poles the holes had to be sealed with 
gum taken from trees. After that the light, buoyant 
stems had to be fastened together to form the raft 
and having no nails it was necessary to tie them 
together. Only one material was available for the 
purpose and that was bark. 

They gathered armfuls of the long, shaggy fiber that 
hung like a fringe from the trunks of the chiqui-chiqui 
palms and placed them in a heap near the hut. By 
the time sufficient of the material had been collected 
it was too late to begin braiding it into ropes. 


THE TERROR OF THE ISLAND 


213 


After a supper of the usual fare the two concealed 
themselves in the edge of the forest to watch for the 
possible return of their unwelcome visitor. 

Hour after hour passed, but there was no disturbance 
of any kind. It was evident that they were not to be 
molested that night, so they returned to the shelter. 

No sooner had Miguel entered the doorway than he 
gave a shriek and darted out again. He staggered a 
few steps and fell headlong to the ground. 

David picked up the limp form of his companion 
and carried it toward the open beach, but the man 
recovered and struggled to his feet. 

^Dh!’^ he gasped. ^Tt’s in there now. It almost 
got me.^’ 

David tried to find out what it was Miguel had seen, 
but the latter talked incoherently so that it was impos¬ 
sible to make out the meaning of his words. He 
thought that his companion was greatly exaggerating 
the truth; perhaps he had seen nothing at all and had 
merely imagined the presence of some weird being 
conjured by his superstitious mind. He would decide 
the matter by going to see for himself. To strengthen 
the latter conclusion, nothing had come out of the hut 
and there was no sound within. 

David drew his revolver and held it in readiness 
for instant action. Then he lighted a bunch of the 
palm fiber and holding it aloft, went slowly toward 
the structure. 

When he reached the doorway he thrust the flaming 
torch in first and raised it above his head. The glare 


214 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

lighted up the interior of the small room, but for a 
moment only. 

David stood paralyzed in his tracks when he saw 
the thing that had invaded their domicile. From the 
center of the palm-leaf thatch that formed the ceiling 
and drooping almost to the ground were the head and 
part of the body of an enormous snake. It hung 
suspended in space, as motionless as if carved out of 
variegated marble. As he looked in horror, the great 
reptile raised its massive head slowly, at the same 
time drawing it back like a bent spring, as if to strike. 
Its beady eyes were fixed on those of the man and the 
forked tongue moved rapidly in and out of its mouth. 
As it did this it emitted a long hiss that sounded like 
a jet of escaping steam. 

David recovered his senses in a flash. He would 
have to act quickly. If the reptile’s head shot forward 
it would knock him down like the blow of a batter¬ 
ing ram. 

Without moving the flaming torch, he raised his 
right hand slowly and took careful aim at the great 
head not two yards away, his finger tightening on the 
trigger until the slightest further pressure would cause 
its release. Then came a flash and a deafening crack. 
He dropped the blazing fagot and ran out upon the 
open bank where Miguel was sitting, still too dazed 
for speech. 

When he stopped he became aware of a thrashing 
noise, coming from the direction of the hut; then the 
entire structure fell with a crash—on top of the bunch 
of palm fiber now flickering its last. 


THE TERROR OF THE ISLAND 


215 


Soon little tongues of fire leaped up, lapping eagerly 
at the dry leaves of which their shelter had been com¬ 
posed. In a moment the entire heap was a mass of 
flames that lighted up the scene as bright as day. And 
in the midst of the conflagration he saw the writhing, 
lashing coils of the giant serpent that did not cease 
their movements, even after the fire had died down 
to a pile of feebly glowing embers. 


CHAPTER XVIII 


WHEN THE WATER RAN HIGH 

The two men had watched the burning of their hut 
until the last flickering blaze had died; Miguel as in a 
trance, and David spellbound by the sight. The loss 
of their abode, while causing them some inconvenience, 
was not a calamity, for they easily could build another. 
The visits of the great snake, however, was another 
matter. 

^The sucuruju never lives alone,’^ Miguel said finally 
when he had recovered from the shock of his experi¬ 
ence. They were watching the huge coils writhe in the 
glowing embers. 

^What do you mean?” David asked. 

^There are always a pair together. When one goes 
out and remains away any length of time the other 
one goes to look for it. And if you kill one of them, 
the other will follow you until it has avenged its mate.” 

'Then you think there is another snake around 
here?” 

"Yes,” Miguel said. "We had better not stay at 
this end of the island tonight.” 

"The thing that puzzles me, is where did this mon¬ 
ster come from?” David said. "I can understand 
now why the creature that visited our hut did not 


216 


WHEN THE WATER RAN HIGH 217 

leave tracks, but I donT see how we could have over¬ 
looked it in walking about the island. It is so big 
we couldn't have missed it unless it lived in a cave, 
and—there are no caves." 

''Anacondas live in holes in the riverbank," Miguel 
explained. "That's why we didn't see this one. It 
came up from the water while we were watching in 
the forest. And the other is liable to be along any 
minute, so we had better go." 

Early the next morning they went back to the ruins 
of their hut to inspect the snake. They found it, a 
mound of shimmering color, near the pile of ashes and 
it was, of course, dead. David's shot had struck it 
fairly in the head. It was of a greenish brown color 
with small black spots and mottlings on its back. 
When, after a good deal of tugging they succeeded in 
straightening it on the ground and paced the distance 
from head to tail, they found that it was in the neigh¬ 
borhood of thirty-two feet long. The weight, they 
estimated, was not less than three hundred pounds, for 
it had a girth of over two feet in the thickest part of 
its body and was very heavy. 

"I wish we could save the skin," David said, regret¬ 
fully, "but we can't cure it and it's too cumbersome to 
carry." 

Miguel tried to lessen his disappointment. "It's 
all scorched and burned anyway. I'm glad it didn't get 
us; it could have crushed us into jelly in a moment." 

"What about the other one?" David asked. 

The Brazilian looked around uneasily. 

"Let's get busy on the raft," he said. "One snake is 


218 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

enough for me. We might not be so lucky another 
time.’^ 

It required two more days to complete the raft. 
They rolled and pushed the bamboo poles to the very 
edge of the water and then began the work of con¬ 
structing their craft. First they spread a layer of 
the bamboos on the ground; then they bound them 
together securely with the fiber rope, weaving the 
cables back and forth, until they had what resembled 
a huge mat. Upon this they placed a second layer 
across the first and fastened it into place. A third 
was carefully tied on top of this and after that a 
fourth. 

The raft was two feet thick when it was finished. It 
had a length of twenty feet and a width of eight; they 
felt sure that it was ample to carry their weight with¬ 
out submerging to the level of the water. When it 
was finished they cut stout poles and using them as 
levers, pried it into the stream, and tied it with one 
of the ropes. 

^The water is rising,” Miguel announced joyfully. 
‘Tf it keeps up until morning we can start.” 

David looked down the angry stretch in front of 
them. Many of the rocks that had protruded above 
the surface were now submerged. Patches of rolling, 
oily-looking water marked the spots where they were 
concealed. On a whole, the river was still a swirling, 
roaring flood that only the direst necessity could induce 
anyone to navigate. But there must be no hesitation, 
no delay. A single day lost might mean the falling of 


WHEN THE WATER RAN HIGH 219 


the water and the restoration of the cataracts to their 
former fury. 

These thoughts came to both men as they surveyed 
the craft upon the behavior of which their lives 
depended, and then gazed at the stream to whose 
whims they would be exposed before the passing of 
many hours. And the same thoughts recurred to them 
more forcibly the next morning, when they hastened 
to the water^s edge with a feeling of eagerness tem¬ 
pered with many misgivings. The raft was gone. 

The men looked at one another in dismay; and also 
at the raging, hissing river that seemed to mock them 
in their misfortune. 

“It’s awful,” David said at last. “The rope snapped 
and the raft is lost.” 

Miguel sat down on the sand and covered his face 
with his hands. 

“It was our last chance.” He was almost sobbing. 
“And now that’s gone.” 

David, too, was far from cheerful. Their hopes had 
been dashed to pieces; their enthusiasm had been 
killed; their work had been for nothing. Once again 
fate, in the guise of the merciless river, had conspired 
against them. The strain under which they had 
labored began to make itself felt. They could endure 
but so much and the limit was in sight. 

“Say, this will never do.” The speaker was David. 
He had regained mastery over himself. “Our chance 
is as good as it ever was. We can make another raft. 
Maybe it’s a good thing this one broke away. We 
must make the ropes stronger. It is a warning to us.” 


220 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

Miguel looked up, and, encouraged, David continued 
in a cheerful manner. 

“It won’t take so long this time either, because we 
know how to go about it. And listen, the water may 
continue to rise and then the going will be better than 
ever.” 

“It may fall, too,” Miguel ventured half-heartedly. 

“Of course. If it does, we’ll just have to wait. It 
will have to rise again sometime. There’s enough to 
eat here, so why should we worry?” 

It was three days later that the second raft was 
ready. This time they did not launch it until the 
morning of the start. The water had fallen somewhat 
but after a thorough discussion of the matter, they 
decided to chance the passage through the rapids. 
They loaded their small stock of meat and palm buds, 
tied the packages down securely, stepped aboard the 
floating platform and pushed away from the bank. 

The raft drifted slowly and steadily toward the 
center of the stream. Then the currents, coming from 
each side, caught it, carrying it along at a rapidly 
increasing rate of speed until they were flying along 
at a terriflc pace. 

So far the water had been fairly smooth though 
swift. But ahead of them was a ruffled stretch, the 
surface dotted with rocks that showed a few inches of 
their height while the angry waves and back-washes 
told of other, invisible obstructions of a still more 
formidable nature. 

The raft began to lurch so violently that its two 
occupants lost their footing and fell flat on the ribbed 


WHEN THE WATER RAN HIGH 221 


surface. There they clung while the floating platform 
spun and tossed madly at the mercy of the flood, for 
the two men were now powerless to steady it with the 
long poles they had carried for that purpose. Grating 
noises told them when they scraped over partly sub¬ 
merged obstacles and there was an occasional shock 
and sudden halt when they collided with rocks. But 
the current always swung the raft to one side and 
swept it away in its thundering embrace. 

The two men, hanging on for their lives, could not 
speak to one another because the roar of the water 
drowned the sound of their voices. Showers of spray 
dashed over them as they plunged down the terraces 
of cascades, but the raft always bobbed up again after 
the leaps and its laminated construction made it 
staunch enough to withstand the frightful strain to 
which it was subjected. 

After a half hour’s race down the agitated stream the 
water became calmer and the current slackened. The 
raft now drifted lazily on the broad expanse and the 
men regained their feet, glad of the relief afforded them 
from their strained position. The poles they had used 
were gone. 

‘We had better land and cut new ones,” Miguel 
said, calling attention to their loss. “Without them 
we’ll simply drift along and not get anywhere.” 

David agreed that this was the proper thing to do. 
There was now but one way to propel their craft; that 
was to lie flat and paddle with their hands. 

They soon found, however, that their efforts had 
little effect on the large, cumbersome raft. It 


222 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


responded so feebly that the result was barely notice¬ 
able. Then they both lay on the same side; this 
weighted down the edge they were on while it raised 
the other side out of the water. Their combined 
efforts;, coupled with the position of the raft in the 
water, caused it to swing slightly toward the bank. 

It was mid-afternoon when they finally touched 
land; the men were nearly exhausted. They pulled 
one end up on the shelving bank and tied it securely. 
Then they sat down to eat and to rest. 

‘‘We are this far, anyway,’’ David commented. “It 
isn’t very far, I know, but it’s a start and we’re away 
from the island. The raft behaved fine in the rapids. 
It will stand anything.” 

“Yes,” Miguel agreed, “but we don’t know if we 
are going in the right direction. This river may never 
take us near camp.” 

“All the rivers must find their way into the Amazon,” 
David insisted, “so we can’t go wrong.” 

“Then we can just drift along. Everything will be 
all right in the end.” Miguel seemed filled with 
confidence. 

His words carried a double meaning to David. 
He had done nothing but drift—from one thing to 
another—into one difficulty after the other, since reach¬ 
ing Brazil. 

“Are you sure, Miguel,” he asked, “that everything 
will be all right in the end?” 

“Yes, it always is. But it often takes a long time.” 

At this point the subject of the conversation was 
changed abruptly, for appearing out of the forest on 


WHEN THE WATER RAN HIGH 223 


the other side of the river were a number of Indians— 
the very ones, no doubt, from whom they had so nar¬ 
rowly escaped. 

The brown men were looking at them and waving 
their arms and the sound of their voices could be heard 
plainly across the wide expanse of the stream. 

‘‘They’re like wolves on the trail,” Miguel said. 
“They never give up. But they can’t get to us now. 
They have no canoes and the river is too broad to 
swim.” 

“Then let’s wave back to them,” David said, stand¬ 
ing up. He swung his arms and shouted at the top 
of his voice. The Indians began to show signs of 
excitement; they raced up and down the bank, jumped 
into the air and called more loudly than before. 

“I don’t like their actions. I can’t think of a thing 
they can do now, but so soon as its dark we had better 
leave,” David suggested. 

“You’re right,” Miguel agreed. “We can cut the 
poles now and get a few extra ones to tie on the raft 
so we can have them handy if we lose the ones we’re 
using.” 

This task completed, they remained in hiding near 
the raft until after the sun had set. And all the while 
the savages on the opposite bank, in increasing num¬ 
bers, continued their antics. 

“Seems to me they could make a raft and come 
across,” said David, as they watched. He could 
observe them through the screen of vegetation behind 
which they were concealed. 

“Some tribes never navigate the rivers. Others 


224 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


have canoes and seldom travel by land. Then there 
are still others who travel overland and when they 
reach a stream they want to cross, build a raft or make 
a wood-skin canoe which they abandon or sink after 
it has been used.’’ 

hope those over there belong to the kind that 
don’t venture on the water,” David said. 

‘T think they do,” Miguel reassured him, ‘^or they 
would have been over here before now.” 

They boarded their raft in the concealing darkness 
and pushed downstream, remaining as near the bank 
as possible. As they drifted along, slowly at first, they 
felt the impatient tug of the current trying to hurry 
them toward the center of the stream. 

could make better time if we went farther out,” 
Miguel said. ^‘We are barely moving here and I don’t 
like to be scraping against the branches above.” 

‘^Nor I,” David agreed. 

They allowed the craft to follow the urge of the 
water and soon they were moving at a fast rate. This 
pleased them, because it meant rapidly increasing the 
distance between themselves and the savages they 
were leaving behind. 

When the moon rose they saw that the raft had been 
swept to the center of the river. Use of the poles had 
been abandoned when the depth had become too great 
for them to reach the bottom. 

^We’ll be in camp before many days at this rate,” 
David said hopefully. ‘‘See how fast we’re going?” 

“Yes,” from Miguel, “but this is as fast as we 


i 


WHEN THE WATER RAN HIGH 225 

ought to go. If the current gets much swifter we’U 
have to land.’^ 

^Why?^^ David asked in surprise. ‘We can't get 
back too soon to suit me." 

“Nor me. But there may be rapids ahead. We 
don't know the river, so can't take too many chances 
at night. If it gets worse we'll have to wait until 
daylight so we can see first what we are to go through." 

David made no reply, at first. 

“We could hear them," he said finally. 

It was not long after that that they heard the faint, 
warning noise that meant trouble ahead. A muffled 
roar came to their ears; it rose and fell in swells of 
sound like the vibrations of a bell. It was so far 
away, however, they could scarcely hear it. 

“You win, Miguel," David said dejectedly. 

“It's always that way," Miguel replied. “I win 
when I want to lose and I lose when I want to win. 

• Let's make for the bank and stay close to it until we 
reach the rapids." 

They dug the poles deep into the water and pushed 
with all their might. The raft responded gently to 
their efi’orts, but they knew it would drift downstream 
a great distance before reaching the bank. 

Before they had gone very far they realized that 
the rapids must be nearer than they had supposed for 
the roar was growing louder each minute and seemed 
to come out of the night no great distance ahead. 

Miguel was alarmed. “Faster," he cried. “It's just 
in front of us. We have to make the bank or we're 
lost." 


226 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

David shouted assent. He looked at the dark wall 
of trees still a good hundred yards off. Then he bent 
to his task with more force than before. 

In a few minutes it became obvious that their race 
was a doubtful one. The water surged and boiled as 
it rushed along at frightful speed and the raft began 
to lurch so that they could scarcely retain their foot¬ 
ing, while the roar that now came to their ears was 
of thunderous volume. 

‘‘We canT make it,’^ David shouted finally. He had 
just estimated the span of angry water that still sepa¬ 
rated them from the land. 

“What will we do?’^ Miguel called in return. 

“It sounds too dangerous to attempt—at night. 
What do you say?^’ he added as David made no reply. 

“Wait!’’ David spoke quickly. “We can see a little 
way ahead and we can both swim.” 

Rocks of large size now loomed up in the riverbed. 
Around them the water raged and hissed in fretful 
torrents. But still the men kept their places, and 
inch by inch the raft drew toward the forested bank 
as it raced in the grip of the flood. 

David glanced up from time to time to appraise the 
water in front of them; its character would, of course, 
determine their course of action. 

“Quick,” he shouted suddenly, “that rock. Make 
for it for all you’re worth,” pointing to a black mass 
that rose out of the seething water in front of them, 
but ten yards to one side. 

Miguel did not know why his companion had come 
to the sudden conclusion that they should make for 


WHEN THE WATER RAN HIGH 227 

the rock; before, they had taken care to avoid obstruc¬ 
tions of this kind. But there was no time to ask 
questions. He pulled with all the strength in his 
powerful frame in an effort to carry out the instructions 
that had been given him. 

The thing David had seen was a thin veil of mist 
rising into the moonlit sky. That one glimpse had 
been enough, for it meant that there was a waterfall 
below the haze. There was just time for the shout of 
warning to Miguel; their only hope lay in gaining the 
rock. 

They worked frantically, but soon it was apparent 
that the heavy raft could not be swung sufficiently to 
make the goal in the distance that separated them. 
Their position was desperate. They must gain the 
rock or be swept over the fall that now boomed with 
the rumble of thunder. 

Caught in the swirling eddies, the raft began to 
pitch and roll so wildly they could no longer stay on 
their feet. 

David grasped Miguehs arm. The din made speech 
impossible. He pointed down to the water, then to 
the rock. The Brazilian understood and accepted the 
frightful challenge. 

They sprang from the lurching platform and struck 
out boldly for the rock. The swift current bore them 
along like chips on a millrace; curling swells dashed 
over them and the roaring made their ears throb. But 
there was no turning back, no other course to pursue, 
and side by side they fought the treacherous torrent 
with powerful strokes. 


228 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


The black mass loomed nearer and nearer; it was 
now but a few yards ahead. And almost before they 
realized it they had been washed upon a ledge and 
were crawling out of reach of the eager swell that 
rushed up after them. 

As they gained their feet, trembling from the chill 
of the water and the effects of their terrifying experi¬ 
ence, a dark object sped past the rock, still a number 
of yards away. They followed it with their eyes. It 
tossed and spun as it dashed down the river. They 
continued to watch it in silence, facinated by the awful 
sight. 

It was their raft. Suddenly it seemed to pitch for¬ 
ward, and then stand on end; for a moment it hung 
suspended in space, the ragged ends of the bamboos 
of which it was made clearly outlined like a black 
fringe against the white curtain of mist. The bright 
moonlight lighted up the scene so clearly that they 
missed no detail of it. 

Then the raft, still on end, slid downward and was 
gone. It had plunged over the brink of the fall. 

‘Dh!’’ It was Miguel. ‘'Everything is lost. All 
our things were on it—my bow and arrows and your 
gun, too.’^ 

“Yes,” David returned mournfully. “Everything we 
had is gone. But we’re all right, and that’s something 
to be thankful for.” 


CHAPTER XIX 


THE BROWN MEN OF THE JUNGLE 

When daylight came, the two men cowering on the 
bare rock around which the turbulent water raged, 
were more appalled than ever at the realization of how 
narrowly they had escaped a terrible fate. The soft 
moonlight had concealed much that the bright sun¬ 
light revealed. 

All about them were roaring cascades, whirlpools 
and rapids of a formidable character. Above, the 
stretch of water through which they had swum was 
nearly as bad. It was well that the mellow light had 
been deceptive, for it had hidden the real nature of 
the river and had made it appear much calmer than 
it really was; if David and Miguel had been able to 
see what was before them it is doubtful if they could 
have reached the rock. 

Below, and not more than fifty yards distant, the 
stream seemed to end in a long, even line; it was the 
edge of the fall. They could not tell how far the 
sheet of water dropped, but the roar that came up 
from below sounded like booming thunder and the 
clouds of swirling mist rising high into the sky indi¬ 
cated that the distance of the plunge must be great. 


229 


230 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


The rock upon which the men were stranded was 
only fifty feet from the bank. Both were splendid 
swimmers. But one look at the narrow channel sepa¬ 
rating them from the land was enough to convince 
them that they could not cross to safety before being 
swept over the fall. To swim against the current in 
an effort to head up-stream was impossible. Their 
only hope had been to go with the water at the same 
time striking obliquely toward the shore; but that, too, 
was plainly out of the question. 

They discussed their predicament in serious voices; 
but there was no way out of the difficulty, so far as 
they could see. 

might as well be in the middle of the Amazon 
as right here,” Miguel said. 

'T’d rather be in the middle of the ocean,” David 
replied. ^^Then a ship would be liable to come along 
to pick us up. Here nobody will find us.” 

^^No, because no one would be foolish enough to try 
to navigate this river as we did.” 

^'Suppose the Indians should come down this far?” 
David asked suddenly. ‘What easy marks we would 
be!” 

“Let them come,” Miguel returned gloomily. “It 
would be quicker than drowning or starving.” 

“Maybe so. But I’d like to have something to fight 
back with. We have nothing. Even the revolver is 
gone.” 

The thought of the Indians may have come to them 
as a premonition, for the Indians did arrive not many 
hours after, and apparently they were the same ones 


THE BROWN MEN OF THE JUNGLE 231 

who had been following and attempting to capture 
them. 

As they were gazing with longing at the green walls 
of forest that grew down to the rocks bordering the 
water the thick curtain of foliage parted revealing the 
brown form of a savage. 

heavens/^ Miguel moaned, ^‘they did find us. 
It^s all over now.’^ 

‘TVe changed my mind,’’ David panted at about 
the same moment. ‘Tf they start shooting at us I’ll 
jump in and go over the fall; they might not be so 
high as we think and anyway, it’s a fighting chance. 
I won’t be shot like a trapped animal.” 

‘T’ll go, too,” Miguel said quickly. ‘T won’t let 
them shoot me either.” 

They perched on the very edge of the rock, ready to 
make the plunge. 

^^Before we go,” said Miguel, as a peculiar look came 
over his face, want to tell you something; I tried to 
tell you before, but-” 

‘^Not now,” David interrupted him. ‘There isn’t 
time and there’s too much noise. And I don’t feel that 
our end is in sight. I think I suspect, too, what you 
want to say.” 

Miguel looked puzzled, but said no more. 

Other savages joined the first on the bank, bows and 
arrows in their hands, but still there was no show of 
hostility. They only stared and chattered excitedly 
among themselves. 

Then the group was joined by one who was appar¬ 
ently their chief. He pushed boldly to the front and 



232 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


came out into full view on the rocks. The newcomer 
towefed a full head above the others and his powerful 
body looked like a bronze statue against the green 
background. In one hand he held a long bow, in the 
other, an arrow. 

For a moment he stood motionless, looking steadily 
at the helpless men on the rock. Then he glanced up 
and down the river as if assuring himself that they 
could not escape. 

David and Miguel, ready to jump, did not remove 
their eyes from him for a moment. Their hearts were 
pounding wildly and their breath came in gasps. 

After surveying the situation a short time longer, 
the chief turned to the savages in back of him and 
asked a question to which they replied with shouts and 
many gestures. Then he turned and did a most sur¬ 
prising thing. 

Again facing toward the two white men, he looked at 
them intently for a long time, then stooped and deliber¬ 
ately placed his bow on the rock on which he stood. 
Next, he grasped the arrow in both hands, snapped the 
shaft in two with a quick movement of his wrists and 
threw the pieces into the river. After that he extended 
his arms at full length toward David and Miguel. 

This action startled the two so they nearly fell off 
the rock. They sat down, limp and helpless after 
the terrific ordeal to which they had been subjected. 

‘'Does he mean it?'’ David asked weakly. “Isn't it 
a scheme to capture us alive?" 

“No!" Miguel, too, could barely make himself heard. 
“An Indian never goes back on his word. We are 



Again facing toward the . . . white men ... he grasped the arrow 
in both hands, snapped the shaft in two . . . and threw the pieces 
into the river. 








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THE BROWN MEN OF THE JUNGLE 233 


safe so long as we do nothing to take advantage of 
him. I can hardly believe what’s happened.” 

The Indian was still waiting with outstretched arms. 
Noting this, Miguel rose to his feet and held out his 
arms to the savage. Then David followed his example. 
All the other Indians now came out of the forest and 
held out their hands. Thus they stood a few seconds 
and the promise of friendship was sealed on both sides. 

The brown men now drew together for a consulta¬ 
tion which lasted for some time. When it was over 
their leader again turned and motioned to David and 
Miguel to sit down; they complied with his request, 
after which the Indians disappeared into the forest. 

Several hours passed; they seemed like days to the 
two on the rock. 

wonder what they are going to do!” David said 
over and over. 

don’t know,” Miguel replied each time. “They 
have some scheme for getting us off this place and 
have gone to see about it.” 

At last the chief returned. He was excited and 
pointed up the river. Looking in that direction they 
saw a group of Indians in the act of pushing a heavy 
log far out into the stream with the aid of long poles. 
Caught by the swift current, the log began to race 
down toward them and in a short time it had sped 
past them on the far side of the rock. Suddenly it 
wavered, swung around and then stopped beside their 
footing. It was not until then that they discovered 
that there was a strong rope of braided palm fiber 
attached to the log, the other end of which was on 


234 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

shore and held by a large number of Indians. The 
latter made their way down along the rocks, slowly and 
cautiously, until they were directly opposite the rock. 

The leader, now in deliberate pantomime, showed 
the plan that had been worked out for the rescue of 
the white men. One of them was to tie the rope 
around his body just below the arms and then jump 
into the river as far as possible. The Indians would 
pull him ashore. 

The question now came up as to who was to go 
first, each offering to make the attempt that would 
test the feasibility of the scheme and the strength of 
the rope; but the matter was quickly settled when 
David tore one of the few remaining buttons off his 
clothes and flipped it as he would a coin. He was the 
winner. 

Miguel carefully adjusted the end of the rope around 
his companion's body and tied the knot securely across 
his chest. Then, at a signal from the chief, David 
jumped as far as he could; at the same instant the 
Indians holding the other end raced into the forest. 

The moment the man struck the water he felt him¬ 
self dragged against the frightful current that whirled 
him over and over, drew him down into the boiling 
depths and again tossed him up to the surface. The 
pull was so great that it seemed he must be torn in 
two. The ordeal, however, lasted but a short time. 
Before he was fully aware of what had happened 
strong arms pulled him out of the water and placed 
him on his feet where he stood sputtering and gasping 
but none the worse for his experience. 


THE BROWN MEN OF THE JUNGLE 235 

The rescuers immediately went upstream, sent out 
another log and rescued Miguel in the same manner. 

The two followed the Indians into the forest, where 
the latter started a fire and proceeded to roast some 
game that they had apparently shot earlier in the day. 
The brown men now paid no attention to their guests, 
for such they were, and David and Miguel remained 
quietly on one side, watching their actions. 

Before long the meat was roasted and one of the 
Indians brought two large, forest partridges to the 
strangers. Then they all sat down and ate in silence. 

Miguel knew a good deal of the customs of the 
Indians. He was sure that there would be question¬ 
ings and explanations later on. But first, the law of 
hospitality required the providing of food. 

After they had eaten the chief arose and motioned 
to the two to join his group of warriors. He was of 
such splendid build and appearance that David and 
Miguel could not suppress their look of admiration. 
The tops of their own heads scarcely reached to the 
level of his shoulders. Powerful muscles bulged under 
his brown skin. His head was round, with a not 
unpleasant face. His eyes were large and black and 
straight hair that had been cut evenly, hung in a thick 
mass to just below his ears. They judged that his 
age was but a few years above their own. 

‘White men,^’ he said in an even, though deep voice, 
“why do you keep on coming farther and farther into 
my country 

The surprise of David and Miguel at hearing these 
words was second only to that experienced when they 


236 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

had discovered they were not to be attacked, for the 
man was addressing them in broken Portuguese they 
could readily understand. 

^We are lost,’' David said when he had recovered 
sufficiently to speak, ''and were trying to get back to 
our camp when you found us.” 

The Indian grunted, and there was a brief pause. 

"Then go,” he said. "Your stomachs are full.” 

"But,” Miguel explained, "we are still lost. We 
don’t know which way to go.” 

At this their rescuer gave them a look of contempt. 

"Then you can stay here,” he said, with a shrug of 
his broad shoulders. 

"You saved our lives,” David said, suddenly chang¬ 
ing the subject, "and we shall not forget that. Why 
did you do it? We were at your mercy.” 

"You still are. But we savages, as you call us, 
never kill an unarmed enemy except in revenge. But 
more than that, I respect the courage of men who dare 
venture on the river. I saw you start and followed you 
down to see what was left of you at the bottom of 
the fall.” 

David then told the chief their experiences after 
boarding the raft; how they had suddenly realized their 
danger and how, abandoning the lurching craft, they 
had succeeded in swimming to the rock. As the Indian 
listened, his eyes brightened with admiration. 

"The white men do not know the ways of the forest,” 
he said, "therefore they should keep out of it, because 
it belongs to us. You are lost! That proves that we 
belong here and you do not. We never lose our way. 


THE BROWN MEN OF THE JUNGLE 237 

You come and you drive us farther and farther away 
from our homes and plantations into the country of 
other tribes who kill us unless we kill them. We fight 
you every step of the way and we win, too—^but in the 
end you win through your superior weapons and 
greater savagery. But we do not stop fighting until 
the last man is dead.’’ 

^Why don’t you make friends with the white men?” 
David asked. He was feeling decidedly uncomfort¬ 
able. 

‘They will not let us,” came the prompt response. 
“Pretending to be our friends, they are our worst 
enemies. I know. I lived among them at the rubber 
camps, long, long ago. When the white men come, 
no matter under what excuse, the Indian loses and 
finally disappears. They praise us and give us things 
of no value for which we, always pay in hard labor, in 
suffering and even with our lives. White men are 
savages; they know better, but still they are most 
merciless of all.” 

“You may be right,” David said thoughtfully. “I 
don’t know. We ought to teach you things and help 


“No,” the Indian snapped angrily. “You should 
let us live our lives and leave us alone.” 

David thought it best not to press his point. “But 
we are your friends and always will be,” he said 
calmly. “Come with us to our camp.” 

“No, no!” the Indian exclaimed in horror. “They 
would kill us.” 

“I assure you you will be as safe in our camp as we 



238 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

ar6 with youj and th6r6 arc several things I want to 
give you to show our appreciation of your friendship/^ 

This pleased the stalwart chief. 

‘We will go” he said. “Tonight the remainder of 
my tribe will be here. Then we will eat and sing and 
dance; tomorrow we will start on the journey.’^ 

“How far is it?’' Miguel asked. 

“Five settings of the sun, as we will walk slowly. 
There are many women and children coming tonight 
and they cannot go fast.” 

When the others arrived that night the white men 
were surprised at their number. There were now over 
two hundred in the party. The women brought food 
in baskets as well as deer, peccaries, monkeys and 
birds that had been killed by the men and the feast 
that followed lasted far into the night. 

There was no delay, however, in getting under way 
the following morning. Soon after the sun rose the 
encampment was astir. There was a hasty meal and 
then the party formed for the march. 

The chief started first, accompanied by David and 
Miguel, and carrying only his bow and a number of 
arrows. At a distance of twenty paces in back of him 
walked a woman with a heavy basket strapped to her 
back and carrying two small children, while several 
larger ones trudged by her side. At a distance of 
twenty paces behind her was another warrior bearing 
only his weapons; then another heavily burdened 
woman followed by another man; and so they alter¬ 
nated to the end of the line. 

David thought the men were getting the best of 


THE BROWN MEN OF THE JUNGLE 239 


the deal, but after asking a few questions of the leader 
he was able to account for the arrangement of the 
column on the march. 

The men were the fighters and the hunters. Sur¬ 
rounded by enemies as each tribe was at all times, the 
warrior must be instantly ready to repulse an attack 
or to dispatch his opponent at first sight. As the 
hunters, the men must be prepared to shoot any 
animal they encountered before it could escape. 
Therefore, they must of necessity be free to use the 
bow without the slightest delay. 

In either case, quick action would be impossible if 
the men were encumbered with burdens of any kind, 
for they would be unable to shoot with any degree of 
accuracy until the impedimenta had been placed on the 
ground. While doing this, the enemy would have 
ample time for the first shots, or the animal would 
escape. That might mean disaster in the form of 
death or starvation, so the arrangement was a wise one 
after all. 

They tramped along at an easy gait, stopping at 
noon for a short rest. No fires were built, but food 
from the baskets was distributed to the children. Dur¬ 
ing this interval most of the men strayed away a short 
distance to hunt and before long their excited cries told 
that the chase was on. 

The shouts came nearer rapidly and just before the 
hunters came into view the branches in the trees ahead 
of them began to sway and rustle. 

David looked up and saw a troop of large, black 
monkeys fleeing for their lives. He had never seen 


240 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


so many of the animals together at one time. As they 
raced along and made flying leaps across the spaces 
that separated the trees, shower after shower of arrows 
were sent after them by their pursuers. There were the 
constant twanging of bows and the whining of arrows 
in flight and now and then came a dull thud, after 
which one of the frightened animals always leaped 
high into the air, screamed, then fell to the ground 
with a crash. But the Indians did not stop to recover 
it. They continued after the survivors in the tree- 
tops and soon the chase had passed the resting place 
and the shouts grew fainter in the distance. 

It was fully an hour before the last of the hunters 
returned and the victims had been collected. There 
were forty-three monkeys spread on the ground and 
the chief assured the white men that not one had 
escaped; he beamed with satisfaction, for he alone had 
accounted for five of the animals. 

‘Tonight there will be meat for all and more,^’ he 
said. “Not in many changes of the moon has there 
been such an abundance of this, the best of all food.’^ 

There was now a further delay while the women 
dressed the monkeys, after which they packed them 
into their baskets. After that the column again formed 
and got under way. 

In this manner the party moved leisurely through 
the heavy forest, led unerringly and without hesita¬ 
tion by their fearless leader. It was on the fifth day 
that they had the first intimation that the end of the 
trail was in sight. 

“This looks familiar, somehow,” David said sud- 


THE BROWN MEN OF THE JUNGLE 241 


denly, as they reached a large body of water in the 

heart of the forest. wonder if it could be the- 

He checked his words abruptly. 

^Wes/ Miguel continued for him. ‘Tt^s the lagoon. 
Right over there is where the crocodile nearly got me. 
I wouldn’t be here if it hadn’t been for you.” 

“And but for you, I wouldn’t be here. So we’re 
even. Let’s not mention the subject again.” 

Not long after that the men about the rubber camp 
had an unusual and unforgettable experience. It was 
their first glimpse of the two wanderers, long given up 
for lost, marching into camp on either side of the giant 
Indian. They thought for a moment that the savage 
was their captive, but when others appeared in the 
wake of the three they were more mystified than ever. 



CHAPTER XX 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 

Most surprised of all to see the large party of visitors 
was Dom Carlos. At first he was at a loss as to how 
to express his feelings. The weeks that had elapsed 
since David’s disappearance had brought him no end 
of worry, for there was no doubt but that he would 
be held responsible. He had delayed sending word of 
the disappearance to Las Palmas in the hope that the 
missing man would show up. And now that he had 
arrived and was safely in their midst, the old feeling of 
tyranny came back with increased intensity. 

'^So you are back at last!” he said gruffly. ‘What 
excuse have you for going away and staying so long 
without my permission? Don’t you know that the 
collecting season is almost over and you have wasted 
your time? You have accomplished nothing.” 

David was taken aback by this reception. 

‘T was lost,” he returned. ‘T was never so eager to 
get anywhere as to this place, but* I couldn’t find the 
way.” 

“And you, Miguel? You were lost, too, I suppose?” 
sarcastically. 


242 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 243 

'Tes, I was lost, too. The fever is to blame,’’ 
Miguel replied, while his eyes snapped. 

“You can tell that to the vatron when we get to the 
ranch. And what do these savages want?’' 

“They asked for nothing. They saved us from the 
river and brought us home. They are our friends and 
I invited them to come,” David said. 

“Well, I’ll invite them to go now. I don’t want 
them here. Tell them to go and to be quick about it.” 

“No, they are not going until I can prove to them 
that there is at least one white man in the world,” 
David snapped with determination. “I’m going to the 
storehouse for some presents for them.” 

“You are?” The foreman feigned surprise. “And 
who is going to be responsible? Your account is over¬ 
drawn now.” 

“I’ll take care of that part, so don’t you worry. Rice 
said I could draw anything I need and I am going to 
do it.” 

“Look here,” and the burly foreman stepped forward 
to block his path. “I’m the boss. You will give 
nothing to these savages and I will chase them away.” 

This speech angered David. 

“They are my friends and they will be yours, too, 
if you let them. Think of what it will mean to have 
them on your side instead of fighting against you. It 
is the chance of a lifetime to make peace and you 
ought to jump at it. Now, I am going to make good 
my promise to them.” 

The foreman leaped toward David with a shout of 
rage. The latter was no match for the big Brazilian, 


244 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


but he stood still waiting for the onrush until a giant 
form stepped in front of him. It was the leader of the 
Indians who stood like a statue between David and 
Dom Carlos. 

This interference was too much for the foreman. 

‘T see he is your friend/’ he panted, “and I will have 
nothing to do with a savage. Go ahead, get the things. 
But remember, you will have to account to the boss 
for this whole thing.” 

David said nothing, but some of the men who were 
watching the encounter, whispered among themselves. 
They had noted how ready their leader was to attack 
a man smaller than himself and how quickly he stopped 
when the giant Indian intervened. 

“Come,” David said to the brown man. “Come with 
me. The others can wait here.” 

Together they went to the supply hut where the 
chief was invited to take his choice of the articles in 
stock. He selected a number of knives, hatchets and 
a few other objects he desired, after which David pre¬ 
sented him with several pounds of tobacco, which he 
appreciated more than the other gifts. 

The Indians prepared to take their departure soon 
after, but not until the whole party had exchanged 
pledges of friendship with the Brazilians. Instead of 
shaking hands upon leaving they patted one another 
on the back, but when the chief came to Dom Carlos 
he walked haughtily past and as he did so he placed 
an arrow, point up, in the ground at his feet. That 
meant that he was an enemy of the Indians who would 
thereafter attack him on sight. 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 


245 


Then the column formed and vanished in the forest. 

That night David and Miguel had little time for 
sleep. The men crowded about them and urged them 
to repeat again and again the story of their adven¬ 
tures. It was all so strange, so seemingly impossible 
they could not comprehend it fully, but they at no 
time doubted the narrative of their companions. 

*‘You got here just in time,” one of them said finally. 
‘We start back in a week or less.” 

“To the ranch?” David asked eagerly. 

“Yes. The rains are overdue. When they begin 
they will come hard. We’re getting ready to leave 
now.” 

“That sounds too good to be true. We can’t start 
too soon to suit me.” 

The next day he saw what the preparations con¬ 
sisted of. The large balls of rubber were being carried 
to the riverbank. Thick ropes were passed through 
the holes in the center of the balls which had been left 
by the poles on which the latex was poured while being 
smoked. The number on the different strings varied, 
but when sufficinet had been threaded the ends of the 
rope were tied together, forming a huge “necklace.” 
These, in turn, were pushed into the water, one within 
the other, so they formed groups of concentric rings 
known as rubber rafts. 

It required a number of days to complete all the 
arrangements. The men packed their belongings and 
the utensils used by them in their work and placed 
them aboard the launch. The Indians who had been 
engaged at the camp had already taken their departure 


246 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


in canoes for their homes far up the river. The 
camp began to take on a deserted appearance and it 
was not difficult to picture what the place would look 
like a few weeks hence, when the rising water would 
cover the site and sweep away the huts and every 
vestige of human occupancy. 

Not all of the men were to return to the ranch in 
the launch. About half their number had been 
selected to follow the rubber rafts as they floated down 
the river. When the start was made two men were 
sent in each canoe; their duty was to drift with the 
raft by day and by night, to guide it with poles into 
the proper channels, and to tie it up when it reached 
its destination. 

During the hours of daylight a flag was placed in 
the center ball; at night a lantern took its place, mak¬ 
ing it easy for the men to follow the raft in the dark¬ 
ness. 

This work required experienced men, so David was 
not chosen to be one of them. He went on the launch 
on the day following the departure of the rubber fleet. 

The flrst rain of the season was falling when the 
craft nosed her way into the stream and the men were 
glad to leave the now gloomy hinterland, for it would 
be many weeks before the sodden skies cleared, except 
for brief intervals, and the place once more became 
habitable. 

The trip down the river was without incident of 
note. Each day the rain fell for longer periods until 
there were but infrequent lulls in the heavy down¬ 
pours. The nights, however, were almost invariably 


247 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 

clear, but within another month there would be no 
respite either day or night from the roaring deluge. 

The river rose rapidly, covering rocks and encroach¬ 
ing upon the forest; soon it would assume the aspect 
of a vast, muddy lake and the picture of heartrending 
desolation would be complete. 

* « « « « 


Rice was at the landing when the launch drew up 
and was made fast. David had looked forward to a 
word of greeting, or at least a friendly glance, and 
his disappointment was keen when he found himself 
treated with the same indifference that characterized 
the owner’s attitude toward all the men. His one con¬ 
cern seemed to be with the rubber crop and after asking 
a few questions of Dom Carlos the two went into the 
office structure, leaving the men to unload the launch. 

David saw nothing more of his employer until sev¬ 
eral days later, when the rubber rafts began to arrive. 
Then he remained at the waterfront almost constantly, 
appraising and commenting on the season’s catch. 

The cattle had to be brought from the outlying feed¬ 
ing-grounds with the coming of the rains; a great part 
of the range would soon become inundated. Also, 
there were numerous other things to be done, such as 
branding the calves and counting and segregating the 
animals of different ages and intended for different 
purposes. 

David, of course, confidently expected that he would 


248 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


be permitted to participate in this work. It was the 
thing for which he had come to the ranch and in antici¬ 
pation of which he had endured all the hardships and 
discouragements that had been thrust into his path. 
But once again he was disappointed. 

One by one the men were selected for the round-up 
and sent on their various missions. And when the 
last place had been filled, those who remained were put 
to work weighing the rubber and marking it for ship¬ 
ment. 

David awaited a favorable opportunity to protest 
against this treatment to Dom Carlos. The latter gave 
him a look of contempt. 

“You^re lucky to be doing anything,’’ he said in reply. 
“When I told the 'patron aU the things you are guilty 
of he came near sending you down the river under 
guard. But he decided to let you work out your debt; 
after that you’re going on the first launch that leaves.” 

“If that’s the case I might as well leave right now,” 
David replied hotly. 

“Not until you’ve squared your account. You’ll 
work that out first, and it will take a long time, too.” 

David said nothing more, but quickly formed a plan 
of action. He would venture to speak to Rice if there 
was a possible chance of doing so; if not, he simply 
had to make the best of a very bad situation. 

Soon the cattle began to arrive, in small groups and 
in droves that numbered hundreds. They were a wild 
lot and David was surprised that there were so many 
of them. As he watched the mounted herders, wield¬ 
ing their ropes, riding frantically and shouting, he 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 


249 


longed to be among them. Instead, he carried the 
heavy balls of rubber to the weighing shed and back 
again to the storehouse, after they had been weighed 
and checked. 

However, in the evenings, when the day’s hard labor 
was over, he visited the corrals accompanied by Miguel 
and eagerly talked about the things he would like to 
do and would do—elsewhere, if the opportunity did 
not come at Las Palmas. 

The more he thought of the matter, the more impa¬ 
tient he became. And finally, unable longer to endure 
in silence, he decided to go to Rice to settle the issue. 
Scarcely had he determined on this course than the 
ranchman sent for him. He hastened to the office in 
response to the summons, breathless with eagerness 
and anticipation. 

A gruff ^^Enter” came in answer to his knock. He 
went in. Rice was at the table, his back turned toward 
the door and he continued writing fully five minutes 
longer before turning around. In the meantime, 
David’s enthusiasm and ardor cooled considerably. 
He doubted now that he had been called for a good 
purpose. 

‘^Don’t say a word,” Rice greeted him swinging sud¬ 
denly in his chair. ‘^Listen to what I say. I’ve heard 
all about everything, and I know just where every¬ 
body stands.” 

David had no idea what the man was talking about, 
but kept his mouth shut. After a moment the ranch¬ 
man continued: 

^^Somebody is going to have a surprise coming to 


250 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

him soon and it won’t be a pleasant one either. What 
I mean is this. Cattle have been disappearing. Two 
hundred yearlings are gone. They were stolen. Now, 
that ought to be enough. Be mighty careful because 

we’ll find out the guilty one and then-. That’s all. 

Get out.” 

David was stunned by this information. At first he 
could not fully comprehend the meaning of the words 
he had just heard. Cattle had been stolen! Two 
hundred of them! What was the man driving at? 
Surely, he did not suspect him of being guilty of the 
deed. Why should he do such a thing? What could 
he do with the cattle even if he had taken them? 
These and similar thoughts raced through his mind in 
a bewildering stream, followed by bitter resentment 
that the subject had been mentioned to him at all. 
He had not been accused directly, it is true; but there 
was the insinuation of guilt or suspicion of it. His 
first impulse was to return to Rice instantly and to tell 
him what he thought of the whole outfit and then to 
leave, regardless of the consequences. He had suc¬ 
ceeded in getting there alone and unaided; he could 
go away in the same manner. But after a moment’s 
consideration he decided to do nothing of the kind; a 
better plan had suggested itself. He would catch the 
thief and thereby clear his own name. Not until then 
would he be justified in leaving. To go now might be 
interpreted as an admission of guilt. 

That night he conversed long and seriously with 
Miguel. And the next day the latter, who was sup¬ 
posed to be in the thick of the round-up but whose 



THE DRIFTING ENDS 251 

absence was not missed in the excitement of the work, 
was far away, engaged in another enterprise. 

He reported fully to David that night, as they made 
their customary visit to the corrals. 

‘T found it,” he said, so soon as they were out of 
hearing of the men in the huts. ‘T know it’s the trail 
made by the missing cattle, because the tracks are all 
the same size.” 

David was inclined to be skeptical. 

‘Tf you could find it, why couldn’t the boss?” he 
asked. ‘^He has been looking all day for some clue 
that would lead him to the recovery of his property.” 

‘‘He didn’t look in the right place. First, the cattle 
were driven through the marsh so as to cover their 
trail. Then they went through that wide patch of 
forest over there,” pointing to a black clump of trees 
far in the distance, “and when they had passed through 
that they were several kilometers away—far enough to 
make picking up their tracks a difficult matter.” 

“That’s great! What else did you find out?” David 
said. 

“There was a strange man in the corrals this even¬ 
ing when I got back. He was talking to Dom Carlos.” 

“I wonder if he is still here!” 

“No! He left a short while after I came and he rode 
through the marsh and into the woods.” 

“Good! That’s all we need to know.” 

It was two days later that Miguel stole into the hut 
where David was perspiring over his task in the middle 
of the afternoon. A new lot of cattle had been driven 
into the corrals that morning. 


252 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


‘The stranger is here again/’ he said, “and Dom 
Carlos is showing him the pen of two-year-olds.” 

“We’ll see tonight,” David returned; it was hard for 
him to restrain his excitement. “Have two horses 
ready. Get them any way you can, but be sure to have 
them. I’ll have the other things.” 

Miguel returned to his work and David continued 
with his task; the hours seemed like days. 

It was dark when Miguel came to announce that the 
horses were waiting, and the two lost no time in going 
to the place where they had been tied. Soon the moon 
would rise and that would mean their discovery and 
the spoiling of their plan, so there was need of haste. 

The two rode slowly through the marsh, so as to 
make as little noise as possible. A half hour later 
they emerged from the mire and entered the clump 
of trees. By this time the moon had risen above the 
horizon and a faint light penetrated through the tree- 
tops. 

They had not gone far when a pair of dark forms 
appeared out of the shadows and came toward them. 
The riders stopped and awaited the approach of the 
two. 

“Is everything all right?” the foremost asked. 
“Where are the animals?” 

“They’re coming,” Miguel answered, as they dis¬ 
mounted leisurely. They led their horses to a tree and 
tied them. Then they walked carelessly to where the 
strangers were standing. 

The next thing the latter knew they were facing 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 253 

two revolvers, the muzzles of which were thrust against 
their chests. 

^Tut up your hands!’’ David commanded, and the 
order was obeyed in an instant, so completely had the 
men been taken by surprise. 

^Thanks!” David continued. ^We’re not going to 
hurt you in the least, that is, so long as you do what 
we say. But be careful; these guns are so easy on the 
trigger they can’t stand the least little pull. Don’t 
make me nervous or there might be an accident.” 

As he spoke, Miguel and he had relieved the two 
astonished men of their weapons. 

‘What do you want?” one of them asked in a trem¬ 
bling voice. 

“You’re waiting for the cattle. They’re coming. 
One of you must go through with the deal, as if nothing 
had happened. My companion will guard the other of 
you while I substitute in his place to watch the deal. 
That isn’t much to ask, is it?” 

“This is the man I saw at the corral,” Miguel volun¬ 
teered. “Let him meet Carlos.” 

“All right,” David returned. “Take the other one 
away, Miguel. Make him turn around and keep your 
gun against his back. If he makes one suspicious 
move—^you know what to do; or, if I give the signal, 
shoot him anyway. I’ll keep my eyes on this one.” 

Miguel marched his prisoner into the shadows a 
short distance away. 

“You may cross your arms now,” David addressed 
the man before him. “They must be getting tired; 
but keep them crossed. What shall I call you?” 



254 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


‘^Ramon.” 

‘^All right, Ramon, when Carlos comes, conduct your 
business with him just as if I were not here. Take the 
cattle and pay for them. But don't forget for one 
second that I am right here by your side. This gun 
in my hand shoots quicker and straighter than any I 
ever saw; I can't miss with it." 

“I haven't any money," Ramon said in a surly voice. 

‘^How do you pay for the cattle?" 

just give a receipt for them. Then when I sell 
them down river, we divide the money." 

“That's a good system. It's better than carrying a 
lot of money, because somebody might rob you. Give 
Carlos the receipt." 

“What shall I say if he asks about you? He knows 
Lucas who was with me." 

“Tell him Lucas can't be with you this evening, and 
that I am taking his place. I'll tie a handkerchief over 
my face so he won't know me." 

“What are you going to do with us?" the man next 
asked. 

“Well, that depends." David was thoughtful. “If 
you don't do everything just as I told you to I'll 
just let you lie here where you fall. If you carry out 
your part, we'll let you go. That will give you a whole 
night's start in the event anyone should want to go 
after you in the morning. I'd advise you not to stop 
until you are out of the country and neyer to come 
back again." 

Ramon seemed relieved, 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 255 

‘T’ll do just as you ordered,” he said. ^‘Don’t 
worry.” 

‘T’m not worrying. That’s for you to do.” 

It seemed but a few minutes before they heard the 
trampling of many feet and soon the cattle began to 
drift into the forest. They moved slowly and were a 
long time in passing, for their number was great. 

At the end of the lines came Dom Carlos. David 
recognized him on sight, even in the semi-darkness. 

^^Here they are,” he said, without dismounting. 
^^Give me the receipt, and see that you get a better 
price for these or you can’t have any more. Hurry up. 
I’ve got to get back before I’m missed.” 

The man handed Carlos a slip of paper which the 
latter scanned and then carefully concealed in a little 
pocket under the holster of his revolver. 

He seemed about to depart. Then he looked up 
suddenly. 

''Who’s that?” he asked sharply, pointing to David. 
"Where’s Lucas?” 

David trembled in fear of what might happen, but 
Ramon played his part well. 

"Oh,” he said easily, "Lucas can’t be here tonight so 
this man is taking his place. He’s all right, though.” 

Carlos said no more but turned and galloped away. 

Miguel brought out his prisoner after a short wait 
and then they told the men to get on their horses and 
leave as fast as they could, which order they were not 
long in carrying out. 

"Here, Miguel,” David said, when the clatter of the 
hoofs of the two fleeing horses had died in the dis- 


256 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


tance, can take this gun, too. That makes two 
for you. I thought it best not to give them back to 
the thieves and as I have one of my own I don’t need 
another.” Then he added with a chuckle, ‘That will 
make up for your having to use a pill bottle tonight. 
Honestly, I tried hard to borrow or steal one for you 
to use, but I couldn’t.” 

“Thanks,” Miguel said with beaming eyes. “I was 
scared to death the man would see I had a bottle and 
not a gun.” 

“That’s why I told him to turn his back—so he 
couldn’t see.” 

In accordance with their plan, Miguel remained to 
watch the cattle while David mounted and rode to 
camp. 

The place was in a fever of activity when he arrived. 
Several of the men ran out to meet him and from their 
excited chatter he gathered several things. 

Rice had suspected trouble and had made a personal 
inspection of the corrals soon after dark. The pens 
of the two-year-olds had been found empty. Worst 
of all, there were no tracks to tell in which direction 
the animals had gone. 

“He thinks you took them,” one of the men ven¬ 
tured, half-fearfully, “you and Miguel, because you 
had taken horses and were missing.” 

David said nothing, but rode to the office structure 
and, without knocking, entered. Rice was alone, at 
the table as usual, his head propped up in his hands. 
Several kerosene lamps lighted up the room. 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 257 

David waited a moment, but as the man did not 
look up he strode quickly to his side. 

''Mr. Rice,’’ he said quietly, "I know you don’t like 
me and you don’t want me here, and I’m not going 
to bother you much longer. But what you said to me 
the last time was too much. I can’t stand that. I 
couldn’t go after you had all but called me a thief until 
I could prove the facts. I can do that now and I’m 
leaving tomorrow morning. I got here alone and I 
can get back the same way.” 

Rice had jumped to his feet at the first words and 
stood looking at David. He had undergone a remark¬ 
able change. His face was drawn and there was a 
pathetic expression in his eyes. When he spoke his 
voice was almost plaintive. 

"What do you mean?” he asked. "Sit down and 
let’s talk things over.” 

"No, thank you,” David replied. "I’ve become used 
to standing on my feet. You saw to it that I did. But 
what I came to see you about was that cattle propo¬ 
sition. More have been stolen tonight. The mozos 
met me with the information that Miguel and I are 
suspected of their theft because we could not be located 
in the ranch. Were we the only ones away at the 
time?” 

"Please.” Rice’s voice was pleading now. "You 
don’t understand; but you will soon.” 

"Yes, and if I may say it, you too will understand 
very soon.” 

"Yes,” Rice continued, "Carlos was gone also. They 
said he had gone to chase the thieves.” 


258 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

'‘And do you believe that?'' 

The subject of the conversation entered at that 
moment. 

'T chased them many kilometers," he said, wiping 
the perspiration from his face, "but they escaped. I 
must have killed or at least wounded some of them, 
because I shot at them each time I got near enough." 

David appeared elated. 

"I would consider it an honor to clean the revolver 
of such a brave man," he said quickly. "The barrel 
must be all fouled. Please, may I?" 

Dom Carlos scowled as he hesitated. 

"Let him do it." It was Rice who spoke, as if indul¬ 
gently. "A man with courage such as yours should 
have a servant." 

The foreman smiled at this compliment. And, 
besides, here was another opportunity to humiliate 
David. 

He carelessly removed the revolver from the holster 
and laid it on the table. David had it in an instant. 

"Now.take off the belt and give it to the boss," he 
commanded, levelling the weapon at the foreman, 
"and do it right away." 

The latter flew into a rage. 

"Are you going to let this mozo insult and threaten 
me like that?" he asked. 

"Go on, Carlos. Take it off." It was Rice who 
spoke. "Better humor him; he has us at a disad¬ 
vantage." 

At this the foreman was too startled to make a 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 


259 


reply. He began to understand the turn affairs were 
taking. His arms hung limply. He was about to 
collapse. 

‘Tffl take it off for you, then,” David said. 

He handed the belt to Rice. 

“Look into the little pocket under the holster and 
you will know who stole your cattle.” 

Rice obeyed mechanically, with trembling fingers, 
and found not one but two pieces of paper. 

“I see,” he said; “receipts for both lots of cattle that 
disappeared. Carlos, what have you to say?” 

But the man was incapable of speech. He had 
slumped, moaning, to the floor. Several of the men, 
coming at Rice’s call, removed him to an inner room 
and remained to guard him. 

David now told the whole story of what had 
occurred, ending with, “Miguel is staying with the 
cattle until you send someone to help him round them 
up and bring them back. I’m going to pack my things 
now, so I can start early in the morning.” 

He turned to go, but Rice grasped his arm and held 
him fast. 

“No!” he said in a strained voice. “I don’t blame 
you for wanting to get away from here, and after what 
you’ve gone through I have no right to ask you to stay 
to endure more of it. But don’t leave—tomorrow 
morning. Wait a few days longer. There will be a 
launch then.” 

“I can go alone, as I came. The one comforting 
thought I can take with me from Las Palmas is that 


260 ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 

I didn’t trouble anyone, and I can’t start doing that 
now.” 

want to see you in the morning.” Again Rice 
was pleading. ^Tromise that youll stay just one more 
day. I have something to say to you.” 

And David promptly showed his fine character by 
agreeing to the request. 

“I am expecting the launch from Manaos any hour 
now,” Rice said the next morning, after warmly greet¬ 
ing David. ^'It will bring a surprise for you.” 

“Mail!” David exclaimed enthusiastically. “It has 
been so long since I had a letter from home.” 

“There may be letters, but I was thinking of some¬ 
thing else. It will bring something—someone, I 
should say-” 

“You donT mean that my—my—” David gasped. 

“Yes, your father is coming.” 

The listener was so overcome at this news that he 
was speechless. He grasped a chair for support. 

“And now I am going to tell you the whole story,” 
Rice continued. “Your father wrote me before you 
came that he wanted this to be your last change. He 
asked me to make things so bad, so trying, so disagree¬ 
able, that only the strongest faith in yourself could 
carry you through. I was either to make or break 
you. I did what I considered was proper and the men 
were given their instructions. Some things went too 
far; I know that, because I have questioned each one 
and I learned the truth. Carlos abused my confidence 
and you because in you he saw a possible rival. I was 



THE DRIFTING ENDS 261 

misled by him or I should not have entrusted you to 
his care/’ 

“How about accusing me of stealing the cattle?” 
David was on the point of tears. 

“If you will think back you will remember that I 
did not accuse you. I simply wanted to put you on 
your mettle. I firmly believed you could catch the 
thief; I couldn’t, and you don’t know how hard I tried. 
I never even suspected Carlos. That was the last test 
and I had to make it so strong that when you came 
through it there would be no further possible question 
in my mind as to your character and ability. Boy, boy, 
you’ve made good a million times over and I wish 
I could keep you here always. I would trust you with 
anything; you would find a way out of every difficulty.” 

“Do you want me to stay?” David asked, as in a 
dream. 

“Yes, because then I could honestly feel that there 
was one person on the place worthy of my confidence.” 

“Let me see.” David was bewildered. “I must have 
time to think.” 

He rose to go. 

“Have your things moved over here,” Rice said as 
he started away. “You are to live with me hereafter.” 

David, however, preferred to remain with the men 
until he knew definitely what the future held in store 
for him. He went back to his quarters and there he 
found Miguel. 

“You are going?” the latter asked anxiously. 

“I don’t know,” David replied. “But I know now 
what you wanted to tell me. I suspected it at times. 


262 


ADRIFT ON THE AMAZON 


but then things got so bad I thought I must be mis¬ 
taken. Dom Carlos was to blame.’^ 

^T’m glad you know. Carlos was always urging me 
to cause you trouble. And then, after you knocked 
me down in front of the others, I became angry and 
was in earnest. I’m sorry.” 

“Never mind. It’s all over. You’re my best friend 
and I want you to keep that place.” 

The launch came the next afternoon, and after the 
lengthy, joyous greetings were over. Rice, father and 
son settled down to a serious discussion of the future. 

“You know,” the elder David said with great anima¬ 
tion, “you have converted me entirely. You have 
opened my eyes. I am not asking you to come back 
to the city to live. On the contrary, I discovered that 
there are thousands of acres of the best land on earth 
lying idle right in our own country. I did not know 
it before, because living in the cramped city made me 
blind and narrow to the beauty and possibilities of the 
great outdoors. We are all going away from the dust 
and the grime of the crowded metropolis. We, too, 
want to see the blue sky overhead and feel the green 
grass under our feet. What do you say? I will get 
as much land as you want and put you in full control.” 

“That’s too wonderful to be true.” David spoke 
softly. “We can talk it over and decide just how much 
we need and where it must be. But Mr. Rice has asked 
me to stay, and to tell the truth I haven’t even started 
yet to learn. You can get the land and hold it, because 
so far I’m not capable of taking charge of anything. 
I’ve been drifting from one thing to another, neither 


THE DRIFTING ENDS 


263 


doing nor learning anything of consequence. So I 
must stay until the purpose for which I came is accom¬ 
plished. When I am sure enough of myself to drop 
my anchor I’ll come back to you, and then we can 
begin the real life and the only one that’s worth 
while.” 


THE END 










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